Touch Screen Instrument Panel

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and computer-storage media are provided for a touch-screen interface panel (TSIP) of an aircraft. The TSIP may communicate with one or more aircraft systems. In other words, the TSIP is configured to display information of one or more aircraft systems. For example, the TSIP may receive a request for weather information. In response, the TSIP receives weather information from a weather system and displays it via the TSIP screen. In another example, the TSIP may display warnings or alerts that are detected by an aircraft warning system, maintenance system, or the like. Furthermore, information that may have typically been looked up physically or called in to a tower may now be provided via the TSIP by the interfacing of the TSIP with the systems maintaining the information. For example, a charts database may communicate with the TSIP and the information thereof displayed via the TSIP.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/951,145, entitled “3D Weather”, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/951,189, entitled “HD Camera”, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/951,260, entitled “Adjustable Synthetic Vision System”, U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/951,231, entitled “Skytrak NavigationalAid”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/951,240, entitled “SmartAirport Application”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/951,243,entitled “Smart Traffic Application”, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/951,157, entitled “Chart Synoptic Window”, U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/951,168 entitled “Flight Planning Synoptic Window”,U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/951,201 entitled “Intelligent RadioFrequency Identifiers”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/951,152,entitled “Crew Alerting System”, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/951,195 entitled “Historical Data Feature”, U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/951,208 entitled “Maintenance Synoptic Window”, U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/951,220 entitled “Master Warning/MasterCaution”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/951,234 entitled“Proximity Icon”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/951,166 entitled“Flight Control Synoptic Window”, U.S. Provisional Application No.61/951,215 entitled “Mode Controller and Engine Indication Icon”, U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/951,253 entitled “Synoptic WindowLayout”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/951,216 entitled “MoveableSynoptic Pages”, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/951,223 entitled“Pinnable Synoptic Pages”, all filed Mar. 11, 2014. The entireties ofeach of the aforementioned applications are incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND

Aircraft instrument panels are largely composed of instruments dedicatedto a single purpose, such as displaying a single piece of information orreceiving a specific type of control input from a user. Theseinstruments typically include gauges, dials, buttons, switches, text orgraphic display monitors, and other similar components. As a result oftheir single purpose and physical arrangement, the instrument panel haslimited flexibility and customizability. The instruments are in fixedlocations and are limited in what information they can display or inputthey can receive from the user.

Also, since typically an aircraft must provide functionality for both apilot and a co-pilot, the instrument panel includes duplicateinstruments to provide for two users. This reduces the effective area ofthe instrument panel available for the display of information.

A flexible, customizable instrument panel, utilizing touch screentechnology and providing a user friendly, intuitive interface forreceiving information and controlling the aircraft are described. A userinterface that provides a synoptic, summary overview of the aircraftconfiguration and operation is also described.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key factors oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a method for providinginformation using a touch-screen instrument panel (TSIP). The methodcomprises receiving an indication to display information associated withan aircraft via the TSIP; receiving information associated with theaircraft from a plurality of systems managing aircraft or flightinformation; and providing on the TSIP at least one user interface, theat least one user interface corresponding to the indication, and the atleast one user interface being associated with a first system of theplurality of systems.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a method for controlling anaircraft having a touch screen instrument panel. An onboard computer isconnected to the touch screen instrument panel. The inventive methodincludes the steps of displaying a synoptic user interface panel on aportion the touch screen instrument panel, providing information aboutthe aircraft from the onboard computer on the at least one synoptic userinterface panel, and receiving control input to the onboard computerthrough the at least one synoptic user interface panel. In someembodiments, the method further involves modifying the state of theaircraft in response to the control input.

In some embodiments, the synoptic user interface panel includes adepiction of all or a portion of an aircraft and associates one or moredisplay elements associated with the graphical depiction of theaircraft. In some embodiments, the panel graphically depicts anaircraft, and in some embodiments the panel symbolically depicts anaircraft. The panel may include both graphically and symbolicallydepicted elements.

In various embodiments the display elements depict components of theaircraft, and show them in relation to the graphical depiction of theaircraft on the synoptic user interface panel. In some embodiments, themethod includes displaying information on the synoptic user interfacepanel from the onboard computer about a component of the aircraft inrelation to the display element depicting the component.

In other embodiments, the system receives control input by sensing atouch input on the portion of the touch screen instrument panel on whichthe synoptic user interface panel is displayed; and determining adisplay element associated with the touch input.

The method of controlling the aircraft may also include modifying thestate of the aircraft by determining the component of the aircraftdepicted by the display element associated with the touch input, andmodifying the state of the component of the aircraft in response to thetouch input.

In some embodiments, the system automatically updates the informationfrom the onboard computer that is displayed on the display element torepresent the state of the aircraft. In varying embodiments, the displayelements are automatically modified by altering the color, text ornumerical value, shape, or configuration of the display element torepresent the state of the aircraft.

The synoptic user interface panel in some embodiments are selected fromthe group consisting of an anti-icing systems panel, an environmentalcontrol systems panel, an electrical systems panel, a flight controlpanel, an hydraulic systems panel, an exterior light panel, an oxygensystems panel, a cabin pressurization panel, a propulsion systems panel,an internal light panel, and a cabin window shade panel.

To allow for customization of the instrument panel, some embodimentsallow a user to drag a synoptic user interface panel to a desiredlocation on the touch screen instrument panel. In some embodiments, theuser can pin the user interface panel in a desire location by actuatingan icon displayed in the synoptic user interface panel therebypreventing the synoptic user interface panel from being moved from thedesired location. Then the user may touch the touch screen instrumentpanel in the area depicting the synoptic user interface panel tomanipulate the information provided on the synoptic user interfacepanel. When the user is finished manipulating the information in theuser interface panel, the user may actuate the icon to unpin the atleast one user interface panel allowing the panel to be moved from thedesired location. In some embodiments of the user interface, one userinterface panel may overlay a second user interface panel.

In some embodiments, the display element depicts a control surface ofthe aircraft; and the system modifies the aircraft in response to inputby repositioning the control surface. In some of those embodiments, thedisplay element depicts an internal or external light and actuating itmodifies the state of the aircraft by turning the internal or externallight on or off. In other embodiments, the display element depicts anelectrical component, and actuating it modifies the state of theaircraft by actuating the electrical component. In some of thoseembodiments, the electrical component is a power generator, a relay, oran electrical bus. In other embodiments, the display element depicts ahydraulic valve, a pneumatic valve, or a fuel valve, and actuating itmodifies the state of the aircraft by opening or closing the valve.

In some embodiments, the display element is an icon associated with thedepiction of all or a portion of an aircraft. In some of thoseembodiments, receiving control input comprises sensing a touch input onthe icon. In some the embodiments, the icon is associated with ananti-icing system, and actuating the icon modifies the state of theaircraft by turning the anti-icing system on or off. In otherembodiments, the icon is associated with the temperature of a portion ofthe aircraft, and actuating the icon modifies the state of the aircraftby increasing or decreasing the temperature settings for the portion ofthe aircraft. In some embodiments, the icon is associated with theposition of a control surface for the aircraft, and actuating the iconmodifies the state of the aircraft by repositioning the control surface.In other embodiments, the icon is associated with an aircraft systemselected from a hydraulic system, a lighting system, an oxygen system, aclimate control system, a fuel system, and a cabin control system, andthe step of modifying the state of the aircraft comprises modifying acomponent in the aircraft system.

In one embodiment, a flight planning system for navigation of anaircraft is provided. The system includes a storage component having oneor more instructions stored thereon, a touch screen display device, aprocessor coupled to the display device and a memory. The processor isconfigured to execute the one or more instructions stored in the storagecomponent. The system further includes a manager configured to providenavigational views via the touch screen display device in an aircraftcockpit. The manager includes a mapping interface for displaying one ormore maps on the touch screen display device, a charts component fordisplaying one or more aeronautical charts on the touch screen displaydevice, a radio frequency component for receiving and displaying one ormore radio frequencies on the touch screen display device, a weathercomponent for displaying one or more weather representations, whereinthe one or more weather representations overlays the one or more maps onthe touch screen display device, and a virtual flight plan component fordisplaying one or more simulated flight plans on the touch screendisplay device.

In another embodiment, a method for flight planning utilizing aninteractive map on a touch screen device in an aircraft cockpit isprovided. The method includes receiving a set of flight rules, receivingan indication of both an origin airport and a destination airport viathe touch screen device, and based on each of the set of flight rulesand the origin and destination airports, displaying a flight path on themap.

In yet another embodiment, a method for providing a chart on a touchscreen device is provided. The method includes presenting a list of menuoptions on a touch screen mounted in an aircraft cockpit, said listincluding a charts function. The method further includes receiving aselection of the charts function, in the charts function receiving anindication of an airport, upon identifying the airport, enablingselection of (i) an approach or departure, (ii) a navigation method,(iii) a runway, and based on the selections, identifying correspondingcharts and automatically displaying the corresponding charts on thetouch screen device.

In an embodiment, a method for providing navigational aids is provided.The method recites receiving an indication of a flight path thatincludes one or more waypoints, wherein a waypoint is a coordinate inphysical space; generating a graphical representation of the flightpath, wherein the graphical representation includes a plurality ofplanes (path indicators) along the flight path, wherein each plane isassociated with a slope and an angle for an orientation of a vehiclenavigating the flight path; and dynamically updating the graphicalrepresentation relative to an updated location of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, a method for providing navigational aids isprovided. The method includes identifying one or more airports proximateto a location of an aircraft, wherein proximate is within a predefineddistance from the aircraft; identifying information associated with theone or more airports including, at least, an airport identifier and adistance from the aircraft; generating an airport icon for each of theone or more airports; providing the airport icon for each of the one ormore airports, wherein the airport icon for each of the one or moreairports is provided in a three-dimensional real-time image; andupdating the one or more airports and airport icons based on an updatedlocation of the aircraft.

In yet another embodiment, one or more computer-storage media havingembodied thereon computer-usable instructions that, when executed,facilitate a method for providing navigational aids is provided. Theclaim recites identifying a location of a first aircraft; identifyingany traffic within a predetermined distance of the first aircraft,wherein traffic includes other aircraft; determining that a secondaircraft is within the predetermined distance of the first aircraft;generating a traffic user interface panel that includes informationassociated with the second aircraft including an airspeed of the secondaircraft, wherein the traffic user interface panel is provided via atouch-screen instrument panel overlaying a real-time image; andmonitoring the predetermined distance from the first aircraft andupdating according to an updating location of the first aircraft.

In an embodiment, a method for displaying a real-time view within anaircraft is provided. The method comprises receiving an indication of asynthetic vision application, wherein the indication enables thesynthetic vision application for the real-time view; identifying asynthetic vision application value to apply to the real-time view;applying a synthetic vision enhancement to the real-time view accordingto the synthetic vision application value; and generating a modifiedreal-time view where the modified real-time view is enhanced bysynthetic vision as indicated by the synthetic vision application value.

In another embodiment, a system for displaying a real-time view withinan aircraft is provided. The system comprises a processor; and a memoryhaving embodied thereon instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, cause a computing device to perform a method for displayingthe real-time view within the aircraft, the method comprising: receivingan indication of a synthetic vision application, wherein the indicationenables the synthetic vision application for the real-time view;identifying a synthetic vision application value to apply to thereal-time view; applying the synthetic vision application value to thereal-time view; and generating a modified real-time view where themodified real-time view is the real-time view enhanced by syntheticvision as indicated by the synthetic vision application value.

In yet another embodiment, one or more computer-storage media havingembodied thereon computer-usable instructions that, when executed,facilitate a method of displaying a real-time image within an aircraftis provided. The claim recites receiving an indication to enablesynthetic vision; based on the indication to enable synthetic vision,generating a second image including a synthetic vision enhancementoverlaying the real-time image; receiving an indication to includeweather data in the second image; and generating a modified second imagethat includes each of the synthetic vision enhancement and the weatherdata overlaying the real-time image.

In one embodiment, a flight-control system for navigation of an aircraftis provided. The system includes a storage component having one or moreinstructions stored thereon, a touch screen display device, a processorcoupled to the display device and a memory. The processor is configuredto execute the one or more instructions stored in the storage component.The system further includes a manager configured to provideflight-control surface representations via the touch screen displaydevice in an aircraft cockpit. The manager includes a graphical image ofthe aircraft for displaying flight-control surface representations andone or more position indicators for indicating one or more positions ofthe aircraft flight-control surfaces. The graphical image and theposition indicators are configured to receive indications forcontrolling positions of the aircraft flight-control surfaces and todisplay actual aircraft flight-control surface positions.

In another embodiment, a flight-control system for navigation of anaircraft is provided. The system includes a storage component having oneor more instructions stored thereon, a touch screen display device, aprocessor coupled to the display device and a memory. The processor isconfigured to execute the one or more instructions stored in the storagecomponent. The system further includes a manager configured to provideautopilot controls and engine indicators via the touch screen displaydevice in an aircraft cockpit. The manager includes a cross-sectionalrepresentation of the aircraft fuselage for displaying a modecontroller. The mode controller is configured to display autopilot modesand to receive autopilot mode selections. The cross-sectionalrepresentation further includes one or more engine cowls attached to thefuselage for displaying performance indicators for the one or moreengines.

In yet another embodiment, a method for controlling an aircraftflight-control surface via a touch screen device is presented. Themethod includes presenting a list of menu options on a touch screenmounted in an aircraft cockpit, said list including a flight-controlfunction. The method further includes receiving a selection of theflight-control function. Upon selection of the flight-control function,the method includes receiving an indication of a flight-control surfaceto control. Upon identifying the flight-control surface, the methodincludes enabling selection of a position change. Based on the positionchange selection, the method includes verifying a corresponding movementof the flight-control surface to the selected position and displaying anactual position of the flight-control surface on the touch screendevice.

In various embodiments, methods for increasing awareness of users, e.g.,a pilot or crew member, are provided. In one aspect, the method alertsthe aircraft crew of a relevant condition. The method in one embodimentconsists of receiving information from an aircraft warning systemregarding a condition, displaying an awareness-enhancing indication on atouchscreen display in an aircraft cockpit. Further, theawareness-enhancing indication is communicated to the pilot or crewmember in a way that suggests a need to investigate the existence of thecondition. Finally, the awareness-enhancing indication is locatedperipherally on the display, at the margins in some embodiments.

In another aspect, the method involves receiving information regarding areal-time value for an aircraft-parameter (e.g., the parameter beingrelevant to a condition of an aircraft system). Then, a window includinggraphic representative of an aircraft component relevant to theparameter is displayed such that it is accompanied with a real-timevalue of the aircraft-parameter proximate the graphic.

In another aspect, the method could generate an awareness-enhancingindication on a display in response to an alert regarding a condition,where the condition regards a real-time value of a parameter on anaircraft. Further, a menu item is highlighted, and the menu item enablesa crew member to bring up a window displaying an option for changing thecondition. In some versions, the option for changing is presented in theform of an action button.

In yet another aspect, the method involves receiving informationregarding a real-time value for an aircraft-parameter where theparameter is relevant to a condition in an aircraft system. Then thereal-time value is communicated to a user in a historical context (e.g.,using a time-line representation in a chart).

Systems are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes atouch-screen device incorporated into an aircraft cockpit. Thetouch-screen is arranged to interface with a computer on the aircraft.The computer receives information regarding a parameter relating to acondition in one of an electrical or a mechanical system. Then, a firstprocess operating on the computer displays a graphic related to thecondition. Then, a second process enables the user to institute acorrective action regarding the condition.

Further embodiments and aspects will become apparent by reference to thedrawings and by study of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the attached figures, which areincorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a touch-screeninstrument panel system for an aircraft, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a system diagram for an embodiment of a touch-screeninstrument panel system for an aircraft, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A depicts a synoptic user interface for aircraft anti-icingsystems information 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3B depicts a synoptic user interface for an aircraft environmentalcontrol system, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3C depicts a synoptic user interface for an aircraft electricalbuss structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3D depicts a synoptic user interface for aircraft flight controls,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3E depicts a synoptic user interface for aircraft hydraulicsystems, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3F depicts a synoptic user interface for aircraft exterior lights,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3G depicts a synoptic user interface for aircraft oxygen systems,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3H depicts a synoptic user interface for cabin pressurizationsystems, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3I depicts a synoptic user interface for aircraft propulsionsystems, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3J depicts a synoptic user interface for aircraft internal lights,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3K depicts a synoptic user interface for aircraft cabin windowshades, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3L depicts a pinnable synoptic user interface, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3M depicts a pinnable synoptic user interface, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A depicts one embodiment of a flight planning system fornavigation of an aircraft based on high instrument flight rules.

FIG. 4B depicts one embodiment of a flight planning system fornavigation of an aircraft based on low instrument flight rules, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C depicts one embodiment of a flight planning system fornavigation of an aircraft based on visual flight rules (VFR), inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4D depicts one embodiment of a flight planning system fornavigation of an aircraft based on satellite imagery, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4E depicts one embodiment of a flight planning system fornavigation of an aircraft based on a terrain representation, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4F depicts an embodiment of a flight planning method utilizing aninteractive map on a touch screen device in an aircraft cockpit, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4G depicts one embodiment of a charts panel of a flight planningsystem for navigation of an aircraft, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4H depicts one embodiment of a charts panel of a flight planningsystem for navigation of an aircraft in which available navigation typesare displayed, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4I depicts one embodiment of a charts panel of a flight planningsystem for navigation of an aircraft in which navigation by ILS isselected, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4J depicts one embodiment of a charts panel of a flight planningsystem for navigation of an aircraft in which a runway has beenselected, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4K depicts one embodiment of a radio frequency panel for navigationof an aircraft, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4L depicts an embodiment of a flight planning method for providinga chart on a touch screen device, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) in which anavigational aid is displayed, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which a userinterface panel is displayed with a navigational aid, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5C depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which anavigational aid is displayed with one or more markers, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5D depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which anavigational aid is displayed with one or more markers, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5E depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which anavigational aid is displayed with one or more markers, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5F depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which detailedairport information is displayed, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5G depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which trafficinformation is displayed, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5H depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which detailedtraffic information is displayed, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5I is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method for providingnavigational aids, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5J is a flow diagram showing another exemplary method for providingnavigational aids, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5K is a flow diagram showing another exemplary method for providingnavigational aids, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which areal-time view is displayed, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which amodified view including both the real-time view with an overlayingsynthetic vision enhancement is displayed, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6C depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which amodified view including both the real-time view with an overlayingsynthetic vision enhancement is displayed, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6D depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which asynthetic vision view and three-dimensional weather representations aredisplayed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6E depicts an exemplary graphical user interface in which atwo-dimensional weather user interface panel overlays thethree-dimensional weather representations, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6F is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method for displaying areal-time view within an aircraft, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6G is a flow diagram showing another exemplary method fordisplaying a real-time view within an aircraft, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A depicts an aircraft flight-control system for displaying andcontrolling aircraft surfaces via a touch-screen instrument panel, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B depicts an aircraft flight-control system for displaying andcontrolling aircraft surfaces via a touch-screen instrument panel, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7C depicts an aircraft flight-control system for displaying andcontrolling aircraft surfaces via a touch-screen instrument panel, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7D depicts an aircraft flight-control system for displaying andcontrolling aircraft surfaces via a touch-screen instrument panel, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7E depicts an aircraft flight-control system for displaying andcontrolling aircraft engines and autopilot on a touch-screen instrumentpanel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7F depicts an aircraft flight-control system for displayingaircraft engine indicators and for displaying and controlling autopilotoptions via a touch-screen instrument panel, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7G shows steps of an aircraft flight-control method for displayingand controlling aircraft surfaces via a touch screen instrument panel,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A depicts a touch-screen instrument panel system for an aircraftin a pre-alert state, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8B depicts a flow diagram for the warning system useable with atouch screen instrument panel in an aircraft, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8C depicts a touch-screen instrument panel system for an aircraftin a state where at least one alert is detected, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8D depicts the panel where the crew-alert system and a systemdiagram window have been called up by a crew member, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8E depicts a crew-alert window which can be brought up by a crewperson and used to rectify a condition needing attention, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8F depicts a synoptic window which can be brought up by a member ofthe crew to look at a device of concern, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8G depicts a maintenance window which reports real-time parametersand locates the values graphically at the positions of the componentsfor which the readings are relevant, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 8H depicts an embodiment for a window which can be opened up by acrew member, the window including readings of a parameter over time,thus, in a historical context.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a touch-screen interfacepanel (TSIP) in a cockpit of an aircraft.

Referring to FIG. 1, a representation 100 of a touch-screen instrumentpanel (TSIP) is illustrated. The TSIP replaces the plurality ofinstruments, dials, gauges, and screens typically utilized on theconsole of an aircraft. The TSIP is configured for at least a touchscreen implementation. In some embodiments, the TSIP may span the widthof a cockpit of an aircraft. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the TSIP is thewidth of the cockpit and may be accessed by both a pilot, co-pilot, andthe like.

The TSIP is a digital information panel and may include a plurality ofdigital layers. The digital layers may overlay one another to createmultiple views. For instance, and as will be described in further detailbelow, one layer may be a real-time view while another layer may be athree-dimensional representation of, for example, weather while anotherlayer may include flight instruments and may not be obstructed with anyother layers or representations. A processor, similar to that onboardcomputer 201 of FIG. 2, for example, may stack the plurality of digitalimages to provide a complete real-time image including the real-timeview and any other additional information stacked on top of it as deemedappropriate by the user. Additional information may include syntheticvision, three-dimensional weather, information regarding traffic orairports, etc. Furthermore, the TSIP may be configured such that, in theevent of a failure or malfunction of the TSIP, each digital layer iscleared so that the flight instruments are accessible/viewable to users.

Turning back to FIG. 1, the representation 100 includes the TSIP 110,one or more flight instrument displays 120, one or more navigationaldisplays 130, one or more user interface panels 140, a menu 150, and thereal-time view 160. Initially, the real-time view displayed by the TSIPmay be captured by a high-definition (HD) camera on the exterior of theaircraft. In an embodiment, the HD camera is mounted to the nose of theaircraft. The camera may be mounted in any appropriate position tocapture a real-time view that gives a display of a view ahead of anaircraft. Additionally, as will be further discussed herein, thereal-time view may be altered or enhanced by, for instance, syntheticvision enhancements.

The TSIP 110 further includes one or more flight instrument displays120. The flight instrument display 120 may be configured to include anynecessary information regarding the current configuration of theaircraft. Additionally, the flight instrument display 120 may beidentically reproduced such that a plurality of users has easy access tothe one or more flight instrument displays 120. By way of example, theflight instrument display 120 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be identicallyreproduced and positioned on the opposite side of the TSIP 110.

The TSIP 110 further includes one or more navigational displays 130.Similar to the one or more flight instrument displays 120, the one ormore navigational displays 130 may be positioned anywhere within theTSIP 110. Additionally, the one or more navigational displays 130 may bereproduced for ease of access for multiple users. Given the size of theTSIP 110, the reproduction may be convenient when there is more than oneuser requiring access to the one or more navigational displays 130.

The TSIP 110 may include one or more user interface panels 140. The oneor more user interface panels 140 may be displayed alone or incombination with other panels. The panels 140 display information andaccept input from a user regarding various aircraft systems. Exemplarypanels provide information regarding, but not limited to, anti-icingsystems, environmental control systems, electrical systems, flightcontrols, hydraulic systems, cabin pressurization systems, interior andexterior lighting, propulsion systems, cabin window shades, weathermaps, charts, maps, alerts, system information notifications,maintenance notifications, flight plans, traffic alerts, etc. Dependingon the information displayed, user interface panels may be presentedautomatically (e.g., without user input) or upon receipt of a userinput.

The TSIP 110 may further include a menu 150. The menu may include one ormore selectors to aid a user in navigating the TSIP 110. For example,the menu 150 may include a weather indicator that provides a weatheruser interface panel. The menu 150 may also include a charts indicatorto access various charts. Any feature that may be accessed via the TSIPmay be represented in the menu 150. Various features will be describedherein and in several of the applications related by subject matter,referenced above, and herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

Additionally, the TSIP 110 may include a real-time view 160. Thereal-time view 160 may be an ahead-type view illustrating the view aheadof an aircraft. The real-time view 160 may be captured, as previouslymentioned, by a camera mounted to the aircraft. The real-time view 160may be a real-time panoramic view. Panoramic, as used herein, refers toa wide-angle view. In additional embodiments, infrared imaging may beused in the real-time view to aid in navigation at night, for instance.

FIG. 2 provides an embodiment of a system environment 200 including anaircraft touch-screen instrument panel (TSIP) 210. System environment200 has a network of subsystems that includes an on-board computer 201,the TSIP itself 210, a local digital network 220, databases 230, aflight controller 240, aircraft flight equipment 250, communicationsequipment 260, radar 270, an anti-collision and terrain awareness 280,and a camera 290. Communications equipment 260 communicates withexternal communication sources 265, which are not physically locatedonboard the aircraft (for example, terrestrial communications,satellites, and other aircraft). TSIP 210 interacts with the subsystemsof system environment 200 through computer 201.

On-board computer 201 includes for example non-volatile memory,software, and a processor. TSIP 210 serves as a user interface forcomputer 201. Memory stores software that includes machine readableinstructions, that when executed by processors provide control andfunctionality of system environment 200 as described herein. Computer201 has for example electronic circuitry including relays and switchesto electrically connect with components of system environment 200. In anembodiment, computer 201 includes a first computer and a second computerlocated on-board the aircraft, where the second computer mirrors thefirst computer, thereby providing redundancy in the event of a computerfailure. It should be recognized that where a single computing device(e.g., computer 201) is represented graphically, the component might berepresented by multiple computing units in a networked system or havesome other equivalent arrangement which will be evident to one skilledin the art.

TSIP 210 provides a user interface for visualizing and controllingsubsystems of system environment 200 through computer 201. TSIP 210includes a substrate that supports a display and a touch membrane.Substrate is a transparent material such as glass, acrylic,polycarbonate or other approved for flight materials on which displayand touch membrane are overlaid. In an embodiment, substrate is made offlexible material for conforming to aircraft cockpit dimensions,including complex shapes such as corners. In an embodiment, substratehas a large aspect ratio for providing images. Display is for example anorganic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, which is thin and flexiblefor layering onto substrate. When unpowered, the display is, inembodiments, transparent. Touch membrane is a thin, transparent andflexible material that is layered onto display and capable of sensingtouch. Touch membrane is for example a resistive, capacitive, optical,or infrared touch screen. Together, touch membrane and display provideTSIP 210 with a visual display that a user may control by touching withone or more fingers or a stylus.

Local digital network 220 provides a digital connection between computer201 and on-board subsystems, such as cabin management subsystem (CMS)and in-flight entertainment (IFE). CMS includes for example cabinlighting, heating, air conditioning, water temperature, and movement ofshades. IFE includes for example audio and video content. TSIP 210provides an interface for monitoring and controlling CMS and IFE overlocal digital network 220.

Databases 230 are digital databases stored in memory of computer 201on-board the aircraft. Databases 230 include charts, manuals, historicalaircraft component data, and checklists. Databases 230 allow pilots toquickly access and search information via computer 201. TSIP 210displays the information such that pilots maintain a heads-up view whilepiloting an aircraft. Historical aircraft component data is for exampleupdated during flight with data from aircraft flight equipment 250(e.g., sensors) via computer 201.

Flight controller 240 provides navigation, avionics, and autopilotfunctions. In an embodiment, flight controller 240 is a standalone unitsupplied by an independent manufacturer (e.g., Garmin, Honeywell,Rockwell Collins). TSIP 210 displays aircraft information from flightcontroller 240 via computer 201 such as airspeed, altitude, heading,yaw, and attitude (i.e., pitch and bank).

Aircraft flight equipment 250 includes flight control surfaces, engines,deicing equipment, lights, and sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure,electrical). Aircraft flight equipment 250 is monitored and controlledby pilots using TSIP 210 through computer 201 for flying aircraft.

Communications equipment 260 allows pilots to communicate with oneanother, with passengers, and with airports and other aircraft.Communications equipment 260 includes radios, phones, and internal andexternal digital networks (e.g., Internet and Intranet). Differentfrequency bands are used for example to transmit and receive data withmultiple recipients. TSIP 210 allows pilots to communicate with othersby using communications equipment 260 via computer 201.

Communications equipment 260 includes a transceiver configured tocommunicate with external communication sources 265, which include forexample terrestrial based communication towers, satellites, and otheraircraft. External communication sources 265 also provide communicationswith for example radio, global positioning system (GPS), and Internet.TSIP 210 provides a user interface for communicating with externalcommunication sources 265, enabling a pilot or co-pilot to communicatewith air traffic control, terrestrial communication towers (e.g.,navigation towers, waypoints), satellites, and directly with otheraircraft for example. TSIP 210 allows pilots to receive and transmitexternal communications through communications equipment 260 andcomputer 201.

Satellites provide network links for phone and Internet communications,and GPS information. Aircraft interact with satellites usingcommunications equipment 260 to transmit and receive radio frequencysignals. TSIP 210 allows pilots to communicate via satellites throughcomputer 201 and communications equipment 260.

Other aircraft within view of camera 290 are displayed in real-time on apanoramic view provided by TSIP 210. Information about other aircraft,which may be retrieved from radar 270 or radio communication, isdisplayed for improved pilot awareness and ease of contact.

Radar 270 includes equipment for determining a location and speed ofobjects from radio waves. Equipment for radar 270 includes a radiotransmitter for producing pulses of radio waves and an antenna forreceiving a reflected portion of the radio waves from nearby objects.TSIP 210 receives information from radar 270 via computer 201 and usesthe information to display the location of nearby objects, such asweather, terrain and other aircraft.

Anti-collision and terrain awareness 280 includes a traffic collisionavoidance subsystem (TCAS) and a terrain awareness and warning subsystem(TAWS). Anti-collision and terrain awareness 280 includes radar 270 andtransponder information to determine aircraft position relative to otheraircraft and Earth terrain, and to provide appropriate warning signals.TSIP 210 displays these warnings and allows pilots to respond to themby, for example, silencing an audible warning signal.

Camera 290 provides forward looking images to TSIP 210 through computer201. Camera 290 is mounted for example under the aircraft nose. Inalternative embodiments, camera 290 is located on the tail or onaircraft wings. Camera 290, in embodiments, receives one or both ofvisible light as well as infrared (IR) light. Further, in embodiments,camera 290 provides high-definition (HD) quality images (e.g., using anHD capable camera). In a preferred embodiment, camera 290 provides HDquality and IR functionality. Alternatively, camera 290 might includetwo separate cameras, one for HD quality and a second camera for IRimaging.

Camera 290 provides images to computer 201, which renders the images forreal-time projection on TSIP 210. TSIP 210 projects HD panoramic viewslooking forward and below from the front of the aircraft. The forwardview spans an angle of about 120° to about 180° for example. In anembodiment, TSIP 210 uses IR imaging to project a synthetic view, whichis for example useful at night or when flying through clouds or fog thatobscure visible light.

Various components of the user interface displayed on TSIP 210 aredesigned to provide a synoptic view of the condition of the aircraft,meaning that the user interface components provide an intuitive, broadview of the aircraft, its various components and subsystems, and theircondition. The user interface utilizes the touch screen functionality ofthe TSIP 210 to present views of the aircraft to intuitively communicateinformation and accept input from the pilot. The views of the aircraftincorporate graphical, textual, and numerical elements to simultaneouslyconvey multiple pieces of information to the pilot. The graphical,textual, and numerical elements of the user interface may flash, changecolor, change content, appear, disappear, move or change location, orotherwise change in response to user input or the state of the aircraftsystems.

The computer 201 monitors the aircraft's data busses to determine thepositions, temperatures, pressures, and states of various equipment andsystems of the aircraft. TSIP 210 graphically displays the data gleanedfrom the busses and stored in computer 201 in the appropriate synopticpanels or windows for flight crew interaction. The inventive userinterface provides a thorough, easily understood, intuitive anduser-friendly interaction with each synoptic user interface. The touchscreen functionality of TSIP 210 also allows the user to activateaircraft systems and change configuration settings through userinterface displayed on TSIP 210.

The user interface may provide a variety of user interface elementsgrouped into a variety of “windows”, which may also be referred to as“panels” or “pages. Some user interface elements are common to aplurality of the synoptic user interface panels. For example, each userinterface panel may comprise a border surrounding the informationdisplayed in the user interface and defining a “panel”. A title for eachuser interface may be displayed within the panel or on the border of thepanel area. In some embodiments, the title is displayed in the top orthe bottom left or right corner of the panel. The title may optionallybe displayed as an abbreviation. Similar to other known graphical userinterfaces, each “window” or “panel” may be provided with controls forclosing or minimizing the panel to remove it from active display on TSIP210. Various embodiments of the panels that are presented in TSIP 210are described in relation to FIGS. 4A through 4E and FIGS. 4G through4K.

In some embodiments of the user interface, a silhouette, cross-section,or other diagram of an aircraft is utilized to illustrate the state ofthe aircraft and convey relevant information to the pilot. The diagramof an aircraft may be a top, bottom, side, front, back, or perspectiveview of an aircraft. The windows may incorporate both static elementsand active controls. Static elements comprise elements that are fixed orare updated automatically by the system to display the current aircraftconfiguration. Active controls may be updated automatically by thesystem to display the current aircraft configuration, but are alsocapable of interacting with the user via TSIP 210 to receive pilotinput.

FIG. 3A depicts an embodiment of a synoptic user interface panel foraircraft anti-icing systems information 300. The user interface depictsa top view 301 of an aircraft. The title 302 is displayed in the lowerleft corner of the window, though in other embodiments it may be locatedelsewhere or not provided at all. Various components of the anti-icingsystems of the aircraft are depicted on top view 301 in relation totheir actual location on the aircraft. In the depicted embodiment, thesesystems include pitot tubes 303 and 304, wing anti-icing systems 305 and306, engine inlets 307 and 308, and stabilizer anti-icing systems 309and 310. The anti-icing systems are shown on top view 301 in theirgeneral location on an actual aircraft. In some embodiments, the colorof each of the systems 303 through 310 on top view 301 may be modifiedindividually to provide a status for each anti-icing system. In someembodiments, the systems are depicted in green to convey normaloperation, in yellow to convey a warning state, and red or amber toconvey an alarm state for the anti-icing system. In some embodiments,systems 303 through 310 may be green to indicate that the anti-icingsystem is active and gray or transparent to indicate that the system iscurrently inactive.

In the depicted embodiment, status information 311 is provided for eachanti-icing system and linked by line 312 to the applicable anti-icingsystem. In the depicted embodiment, the status information 311 includesa panel 313 with a background color that conveys the status of therelevant anti-icing system. The panel 313 may also include text 314 suchas the name of the anti-icing system or other relevant information. Inthe depicted embodiment, the text comprises the names of each system,such as left hand and right hand pitot-static systems, left hand andright hand wing anti-icing systems, left hand and right hand engineinlet anti-icing systems, and left hand and right hand stabilizeranti-icing systems. In addition to the text on the panel 313, other textor numeric data may also be provided, such as temperatures 315. In thedepicted embodiments, the temperatures of the various systems aredisplayed as an indicator of the operation of each anti-icing system.

FIG. 3B depicts an embodiment of a synoptic user interface panel foraircraft environmental control system. The depicted embodiment displaysthe temperature in various climate zones disposed in various parts ofthe aircraft. A top view or top cross-sectional view 316 of all or arelevant portion of an aircraft is provided. The top view may be apartial view as appropriate to cover all the zones of the aircraftprovided with climate control. In some embodiments the location of seatsmay be depicted with seat icons 317 in cabin 318. The location of thecockpit 319 and lavatory 320 may also be depicted. The baggage area mayalso be depicted as part of the top view 316 of the aircraft, or via asymbol 321. Other climate zones may also be depicted as appropriate forthe aircraft. Each climate zone may be depicted with a color that isindicative of the temperature in the various areas of the aircraft. Inthe depicted embodiment, the colors are selected on a range of color toprovide a graphical indication of temperature. In some embodiments, thecolors range between two complementary colors. In some embodiments therange of colors is disposed between a reddish color and a complementaryblue green color. In other embodiments the range of colors may betweennon-complementary colors such as red and blue. In some embodiments, thered color depicts higher temperatures and blue depicts lowertemperatures.

Each climate area may be provided with status information. Statusinformation may include a label 322 for each climate zone such as“Cockpit”, “Cabin”, “Lavatory”, or “Baggage”. It may also include anumerical indication 323 of the measured temperature in the relevantclimate zone. It may also include a text or numerical indication 325 toindicate the current temperature setting for the relevant climate zone.The status information may be linked to the relevant climate zone by aline 324. In some embodiments, the line, the background of the statusinformation, or the text of the status information may be in the colorthat corresponds to the temperature of the relevant climate zone. Insome embodiments, control elements are provided for some or all of theclimate zones in the aircraft. The control elements may include controlinput icons 326 and 327 to receive user input through the touch screenfunctionality of the TSIP 210. One area 326 may be provided to increasethe set temperature for the appropriate climate zone, and another area327 may be provided to decrease the set temperature for the appropriateclimate zone.

FIG. 3C depicts an embodiment of a synoptic user interface panel foraircraft electrical systems. In this embodiment, a symbolic top view ofthe aircraft is presented by the user interface. The electrical busingstructure is displayed showing main buses from all power sources.Connections 328 depict electrical connections between the variouscomponents. The color of the connection 328 may indicate whether or notelectricity is flowing through the branch. In one embodiment,connections 328 that are green indicate that electricity is flowingthrough the connection, and connections that are grey indicate thatelectricity is not flowing through the connection. In some embodiments,relays 329 are depicted on the connections 328. In the depictedembodiment, the relays are depicted as a “T”-shaped icon and the colorof the icon indicates if the relay is engaged (green) or disengaged(grey).

In some embodiments, a circle icon 330 indicates a power plant such as agenerator. In the depicted embodiment, voltages, amperages, andtemperatures are displayed at each power source, including power plantsand batteries. In some embodiments, a square icon indicates a switch toturn described equipment on or off. In some embodiments, a rectangleicon indicates an item that can be explored further by touching it toexpand the item.

In the depicted embodiment the buses include left hand and right handmain buses 331 and left hand and right hand emergency buses 332. Thebuses are connected to right hand and left hand electrical panels 333 todistribute electrical energy to various systems on the aircraft. Othercomponents, such as transformer rectifier units 334, may also bedepicted along with information regarding the performance of the unitincluding current flow and temperature.

FIG. 3D depicts an embodiment of a synoptic user interface panel foraircraft flight controls. This user interface provides a view of theposition of various flight control surfaces on the aircraft. In thisembodiment, a back view 333 of the horizontal and vertical stabilizersand wings is depicted. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers aregraphically displayed, and show the state of the rudder 334, elevators335, and stabilizer trim position. A graphical depiction 336 of theoperational range and a numerical depiction 337 of the current positionof each element may also be depicted.

In some embodiments, the trailing edges of the wings 338 are graphicallydisplayed, and show the state of the aircraft's flaps 339. In someaircraft, the flaps are adjustable to discrete positions. In thedepicted embodiment, the flaps can be adjusted to four different angles:0, 7, 15, and 35. These discrete positions may be provided as buttons340. The button corresponding to the current setting of the flaps may behighlighted green or some other color to indicate the flap position. Thepilot may adjust the flaps by touching one of the other discrete flapsettings. As the flaps on the aircraft extend, the graphicalrepresentation also alters to provide feedback to the pilot that allflap surfaces are extended correctly, and may change color to indicate afailure to extend or retract to the desired setting. Text labels mayalso be provided for the various control surfaces, and the controlsurfaces may be depicted in various colors to highlight their positionor indicate their current functionality.

FIG. 3E depicts an embodiment of a synoptic user interface panel forhydraulic systems. A top view of the aircraft illustrating theaircraft's hydraulic systems is shown. In the depicted embodiment, theaircraft has dual A and B hydraulic systems connected to various flightcontrol surfaces. In the depicted embodiment, a unique color isassociated with each system, though shading or cross-hatching might beused instead of a unique color. In the depicted embodiment, each systemhas status elements 341 such as title and pressure reading, and statuspanel 342. The color of status panel 342 may be modified to visuallyindicate the status of each hydraulic system, such as green for normalcondition, yellow for warning, and red or amber for malfunction. Theflight control surfaces 343 may be highlighted in the color for thesystem that actuates the control. For flight control surfaces that arecontrolled by both systems, a cross-hatch pattern of both system colorsmay be displayed on the surface. A button 344 on the touch screen may beprovided for actuating an unloading valve to relieve pressure from thehydraulic system.

FIG. 3F depicts an embodiment of a synoptic user interface panel foraircraft exterior lights. In the depicted embodiment, a top view of theaircraft is shown with the location of each exterior light indicated bya button 345. When the light is on it is shown with a light 346 cast onto the area the light covers (as in the case of the landing, winginspection, and tail flood lights) and the color of the light (such asred and green for the anti-collision and recognition lights). When thelight is off, light is not cast from the light's location on thegraphical display of the silhouetted aircraft. Buttons 345 may bedepicted with a color to indicate that the light is on, such as green.The pilot may turn each light off and on by touching the button 345.

FIG. 3G depicts an embodiment of a synoptic user interface panel foraircraft oxygen systems. Top view 347 of the aircraft cockpit 349 andcabin 348, and possibly other areas provided with oxygen systems,displays the state of the emergency oxygen system. In the depictedembodiment, a zone is highlighted with green to indicate that the oxygensystem is on. Similarly, a zone is not highlighted, but filled with grayto indicate that the oxygen system for that zone is off. Textualinformation 350 may be provided to communicate additional informationregarding oxygen systems such as the current pressure of oxygen in thesystem. An active control such as toggle buttons 351 may be provided toallow the pilots to toggle the oxygen system between automatic function,manual deployment, and full off.

FIG. 3H depicts an embodiment of a synoptic user interface panel forcabin pressurization systems. Various pressurization zones of theaircraft may be depicted separately, such as cockpit 352, and one ormore cabin pressurization zones 353 and 354. Various text elements maybe provided on the user interface to convey the pressure and temperatureof each zone or of other elements of the cabin pressurization system.The various zones are connected to pressurized air sources 358 and 359by pressure lines 355. The pressurized air systems may be provided withpneumatic air conditioning systems 356 and 357 to cool, decompress, andmix the pressurized air prior to its circulation through the cabin. Inthe depicted user interface, the aircraft is provided with two engines358 which provide pressurized bleed air to the conditioning systems 356and 357. An auxiliary power unit 359 may also provide pressurized air,for example, when the aircraft is on the ground and the engines are offValve icons 360 are depicted and the icon indicates if it is open orclosed. In some embodiments, a user may be able to actuate a valve bytouching the valve icon 360 on the TSIP 210. Additional items such ascheck valves 361 may also be represented on the user interface. Thecolor of the zone, pressurized line, condition unit, valve or air sourcemay be modified to indicate if the component is functioning normally. Asin other embodiments of the synoptic windows, green may indicate acomponent functioning within normal parameters, while gray may indicatea component that is not currently active and other colors may indicatecomponent failures.

FIG. 3I depicts a synoptic user interface panel for aircraft propulsionsystems. In this embodiment a top view 301 is depicted, though in otherembodiments a side view may be more appropriate depending on aircraftconfiguration. Various components of the fuel and propulsion systems ofthe aircraft are depicted on the top view of an aircraft shown on FIG.3I, such as fuel tanks 362 and 363, engines 354 and 365, and a symbolicrepresentation 366 of the fuel flow from the fuel tanks to the engines.The fuel tanks may be provided with graphical and textual elementsconveying the amount of fuel left in the tank, such as the number ofremaining pounds (lbs) of fuel. In some embodiments a color may beassociated with each fuel tank, and the area highlighted in this colormay vary to indicate graphically the amount of fuel remaining in eachtank. Similarly the flow of fuel from each tank to each engine may behighlighted with the color associated with each tank. In someembodiments one or more buttons 367 may be provided to access furtherinformation about an element of the system such as the engines.Similarly, one or more buttons 368 may be provided. In some embodiments,graphical displays of parameters may depicted, such as graph 369depicting the oil temperature of each engine over time, and graph 370depicting the oil pressure of each engine over time.

FIG. 3J depicts an embodiment of a synoptic user interface panel foraircraft internal lights. The user interface is provided with a full orpartial top schematic depiction 371 of an aircraft. In some embodiments,the depiction 371 may be provided with spot lights at each lightlocation that flood (cast light) into areas the light is to illuminatewithin the aircraft when the light is on. When the light is off, thelight cup is present but not casting light. In some embodiments, whenthe lights of an area of the aircraft are turned off, that area is shownin black, as the Cabin area is depicted in FIG. 3J. In some embodiments,when the lights are turned on in an area of the aircraft, the area isshown with a lighted schematic of the interior of the aircraft, as theCockpit area 373 and the Lavatory area 374 depicted in FIG. 3J. Otherareas of the aircraft outside the cabin may be shown as well, eitherschematically or symbolically, such as baggage area 375. In someembodiments, buttons 376 for each light or lighting area within theaircraft may be provided. Each button 376 may be connected to therespective light or area of the aircraft with a line, and the color ofthe button 376 may provide a status indicator for the light or lightedarea. For example, green buttons 376 may represent that the light orlights are turned on, and gray or transparent buttons 376 may representthat the light or lights are turned off. Other colors may be used torepresent malfunctions or other states. In some embodiments, a user maybe able to turn a light or lights off by touching the button 376 thatcorresponds to the light or lights to be activated or deactivated.

FIG. 3K depicts an embodiment of a synoptic user interface panel foraircraft cabin window shades. In some embodiments of this userinterface, a top view 377 of an aircraft is depicted. The top view 377allows a user to select which side of the aircraft cabin will bedisplayed in the user interface by touching the appropriate side of topview 377. Additionally, the color of a portion of the top view 377 maychange to indicate which side of the cabin is currently depicted below.In other embodiments of this user interface, top view 377 may not bepresent and both sides of the aircraft cabin may be depictedsimultaneously. The side view 378 of a portion of the aircraft cabindepicts each window 379 in the cabin and may also show other features ofthe cabin interior such as seats 380. The color of each window 379 maybe modified to show the state of the shade at each window. For example,an open shade may be represented by a white window 379, while a closedshade may be represented by a black window 379. In some embodiments, aninterface panel may be provided for raising, lowering, activating, anddeactivating cabin video and audio displays, and selecting anddisplaying video and audio content on such cabin displays.

In some embodiments, an additional status ring 381 may be providedaround each window 379. The color of the status ring 381 may provideadditional information regarding the status of the window. A user mayindividually raise and lower a window shade by touching the window 379.In some embodiments, additional buttons 382 and 383 may be provided toallow a user to open or close, respectively, all shades simultaneously.

In other embodiments, the TSIP 210 may provide access to controladditional types of cabin or aircraft functions, or provide additionalinformation to the users. The user interfaces described herein are notlimiting but exemplary of the types of synoptic user interfacescontemplated within the inventive system.

In some embodiments of the system, the various windows may be opened,closed, and moved around the TSIP 210. A user may “drag” or move thewindow by touching the window in a certain area and moving a fingeracross the TSIP 210 while maintaining contact with the TSIP 210. In someembodiments, once the finger is lifted from the TSIP 210 the windowstops moving, though in other embodiments the window may have emulatedmomentum to continue moving for some additional distance if the fingeris moving when lifted from the TSIP 210. In various embodiments, theareas that a user may touch to drag the window or page may include thetitle bar (if present), the border (if present), or any portion of thewindow that does not comprise an active control such as a button.

In some embodiments, the windows may overlap or overlay one another toallow the user to maximize the use and efficiency of the TSIP 210. Auser may bring a window to the foreground by touching the window, andmay move it in front of another window by dragging it to a location thatwholly or partially overlaps another window shown on the TSIP 210. Insome embodiments, a user must bring a window to the foreground positionon the TSIP 210 before activating an active control located in thewindow.

In some embodiments the system does not allow a user to move windowsinto certain areas of the TSIP 210, such as areas that display primaryflight controls or other information that must be visible for the safeoperation of the aircraft. In some embodiments for a single pilotapplication, the pilot could open multiple synoptic pages or windows andarrange them on the co-pilot Multi-Function Display (MFD) area of theTSIP 210. The flight crew may open multiple synoptic pages or windowsand arrange them by physically moving them on the TSIP 210 as they seefit to help maintain a higher state of situational awareness.

In some embodiments of the user interfaces, a user may need to fix auser interface panel in a certain place on the TSIP 210. This may benecessary to prevent accidental movement of user interface panels, orbecause some user interface panels may be completely covered with anactive control such as a map that cannot be activated when the window iscapable of being dragged across the TSIP 210. In those embodiments, theuser is provided with a method of “pinning” a user interface panel inplace on TSIP 210 such that the user interface panel is not movable fromits current location on the screen until it has been “unpinned”.

Referring now to FIGS. 3L and 3M, a user interface panel is depictedwith an embodiment of the pinning functionality. In this example, amapping or weather function is displayed in the panel 390. At some timesthe user may want to move the panel 390 to a desired location on theTSIP 210, while at other times the user may want to alter the contentsof the panel 390 to display different portions of a map within panel390. The touch input required for both changes may be the same, forexample, touching the TSIP 210 and dragging a finger across the panel390. The panel 390 is provided with a pin icon 391 which may be touchedby a user to toggle the pin function on and off.

In FIG. 3L, the pin icon 391 is not highlighted and the pin function isinactive. When the user touches the screen within the panel 390 andmoves a finger, the entire panel 390 will move on the TSIP 210. Thecontents of the panel 390 will not change as the panel 390 moves acrossthe TSIP 210 in response to the users touch input. When the user hasmoved the panel 390 to the desired location, the pin icon 391 is touchedto activate the pin function and prevent further movement of the panel390 on the TSIP 210.

In FIG. 3M, the pin icon is highlighted as a result of the users touchinput. As the user touches the TSIP 210 within the area of panel 390,and drags a finger across the screen of the TSIP 210, the content of thepanel 390 changes in response to that movement. For example, the usermay pan a map within the panel 390 by dragging a finger within panel390, or pinch two fingers together on the screen to zoom in on thecontent. When a user desires to move the panel 390 to a differentlocation on the TSIP 210 they touch the pin icon 391 to deactivate thepin function, and then the panel 390 will move on TSIP 210.

FIGS. 4A-4E depict exemplary panels of a flight planning system fornavigation of an aircraft. The flight planning system is displayed onTSIP 210, which uses on-board computer 201 for storing and executinginstructions. Algorithms written with software calculate flight planninginformation, such as flight duration for example, using computer 201.

On-board computer 201 includes a manager for providing navigationalviews on TSIP 210. The navigational views on TSIP 210 include a mappinginterface for displaying one or more maps (see FIGS. 4A-4E), a chartscomponent for displaying one or more aeronautical charts (see FIGS.4G-4J), a radio frequency component for receiving and displaying one ormore radio frequencies (see FIG. 4K), a weather component for displayingone or more weather representations overlaid on the map (see FIGS.4A-4E), and a virtual flight plan component for displaying one or moresimulated flight plans.

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary panel 400 of the flight planning system.Panel 400 is configured to show a mapping interface 429 based on highinstrument flight rules (IFR). Mapping interface 429 includes adisplayed image of a map, which may be manipulated by a user with touchgestures, such as zooming and dragging, to view maps of various areas ofEarth. Panel 400 includes menus listed, for example, along the bottom,top and sides of the panel. The menus may include icons, names orabbreviations that may be activated by touch, thus serving as links orshortcuts to various features of the flight planning system. The menualong the bottom of panel 400 includes, for example, a title indicator401, a proximity icon 402, a favorites icon 403, a weather link (WX)404, a skytrack link 405, a waypoints link 406, a procedures link 407, adirect-to link 408, and a standby-plan link 409. Panel 400 may beconfigured to display greater or fewer menu items along the bottom or toarrange items differently without departing from the scope hereof.

Proximity icon 402 may be configured such that selection thereofactivates a proximity component of the flight planning system fororganizing information based on distances from the aircraft. Forexample, activating the proximity component by selecting proximity icon402 displays a list of nearby airports and their corresponding radiofrequencies on TSIP 210, wherein the list is organized by proximity tothe aircraft. Information is updated real-time during aircraft flight,thereby re-organizing the list as needed to continually provideinformation for the nearest airports. Proximity icon 402 provides aconvenient one-touch link to display information for flight planningbased on proximity. Proximity may be defined as any distance relative tothe aircraft within a predetermined maximum distance.

Favorites icon 403 is configured such that selection thereof activates afavorites component of the flight planning system for organizinginformation based on a custom list of favorite items. For example,activating the favorites component by selecting favorites icon 403displays a list of frequently used or favorite items on TSIP 210,wherein the list may be tailored to individual pilot preference. Thelist of favorite items may include flight paths and airports with theircorresponding radio frequencies, for example. Favorites icon 403provides a convenient one-touch link to display information for flightplanning based on a custom list.

Weather link (WX) 404 is configured such that selection thereofactivates or deactivates a weather component of the flight planningsystem for displaying real-time and forecasted weather representationsoverlaid on mapping interface 429. For example, real-time weather isdetermined from radar 270 and forecasted weather is determined fromexternal communication sources 265, such as the National WeatherService, and depicted on mapping interface 429. Weather may berepresented by shaded regions, contour lines or other illustrations,with different shades or colors illustrating rain, snow and heaviness ofprecipitation, for example. Weather representation 423 is depicted alongthe bottom and in the bottom right corner of mapping interface 429 ofFIGS. 4A-4E. Weather link (WX) 404 provides a convenient one-touch linkto display information for flight planning based on real-time andforecasted weather.

Skytrack link 405 may be configured such that selection thereofactivates or deactivates a path projecting navigational aid component ofthe flight planning system, which may be used to assist flight planningby providing navigational parameters including but not limited toaircraft speed, heading and altitude. The navigational aid is displayedin the primary flight instrument area of TSIP 210. Skytrack link 405provides a convenient one-touch link to display information on TSIP 210for flight planning based on navigational parameters.

Waypoints link 406 may be configured such that selection thereofactivates a waypoints component of the flight planning system forestablishing waypoint coordinates and displaying them on mappinginterface 429. A waypoint is a coordinate in physical space, forexample, latitude, longitude and altitude. In an embodiment, waypointsare determined by touching or selecting a location on mapping interface429. In an alternative embodiment, waypoints are searched from a liststored in database 230. In another embodiment, waypoints are selectedfrom a list of waypoint names, which is organized, for example, byproximity, favorites, or alphabetically. Waypoints link 406 provides aconvenient one-touch link to establish and display waypoints for flightplanning.

Procedures link 407 may be configured such that selection thereofactivates a procedures component of the flight planning system.Procedures component includes a series of menus containing proceduresdisplayed on TSIP 210 for example. Procedures component includes, forexample, established protocols, step-by-step instructions, andchecklists for flight planning. In an embodiment, the series of menusinclude cascaded panels, with a separate menu displayed in each panel.Menu selections may determine which procedures or subsequent menus todisplay. Procedures link 407 provides a convenient link to displayinformation for flight planning based on established procedures.

Direct-to link 408 may be configured such that selection thereofactivates a direct-to component of the flight planning system. Thedirect-to component establishes a flight path 421 directly from anorigin to a destination without intervening waypoints. Note that FIGS.4D and 4E illustrate a flight path 421 headed directly from an origin toa destination, whereas flight paths 421 of FIGS. 4A-4C include a turn.Direct-to link 408 provides a convenient one-touch link to establish adirect flight path 421 for efficient flight planning.

Standby-plan link 409 may be configured such that selection thereofactivates a standby-plan component of the flight planning system. Thestandby-plan component enables a user to establish a back-up flight planthat is on standby and ready to be used if a sudden change is necessaryto an original flight plan. Standby-plan link 409 provides a convenientlink for establishing a back-up flight plan.

The menu along the top of panel 400 in FIG. 4A includes, for example, anorigin name indicator 410, an origin chart icon 411, a destination nameindicator 412, a destination chart icon 413, a distance indicator 414, aduration indicator 415, an altitude indicator 416, an airspeed indicator417, and a play button 418. Panel 400 may be configured to displaygreater or fewer menu items along the top or to arrange itemsdifferently without departing from the scope hereof.

Origin name indicator 410 may be configured such that selection thereofactivates an origin selecting component of the flight planning system.Similarly, destination name indicator 412 may be configured such thatselection thereof activates a destination selecting component of thesystem. Origin name indicator 410 and destination name indicator 412are, for example, used to select an airport and display its name fororiginating and terminating a flight path 421, respectively. Origin nameindicator 410 and destination name indicator 412 display airport namesand codes along the top of panel 400, as in FIG. 4A for example. In anembodiment, selecting either origin name indicator 410 or destinationname indicator 412 displays a touch-screen keyboard on TSIP 210 forentering an airport from a searchable database, such as database 230. Inan embodiment, airports selected using origin name indicator 410 anddestination name indicator 412 are also highlighted on mapping interface429. For example, flight path 421 begins at an origin location 419 andends at a destination location 422. Origin name indicator 410 anddestination name indicator 412 provide convenient selection of airportsfor efficient flight planning.

Within mapping interface 429, origin location 419 may be configured suchthat selection thereof activates the origin selecting component of theflight planning system. Similarly, destination location 422 may beconfigured such that selection thereof activates the destinationcomponent of the flight planning system. Origin location 419 anddestination location 422 are, for example, used to select airports fororiginating and terminating a flight path 421 by touching locationswithin mapping interface 429. By touching and holding a location, a usermay activate the system to display a menu on TSIP 210 for selecting anairport and runway, and designating the location as origin, waypoint, ordestination, for example. In areas where multiple airports areavailable, the displayed menu may provide airport options. In anembodiment, selection of origin location 419 and destination location422 from mapping interface 429 may also populate origin name indicator410 and destination name indicator 412, respectively, with correspondingairport names and codes. Origin location 419 and destination location422 provide convenient selection of airports from mapping interface 429for efficient flight planning.

Origin chart icon 411 and destination chart icon 413 may be configuredsuch that selection thereof activates a charts component of the flightplanning system. Selection of origin chart icon 411 displays one or morecharts corresponding to an origin airport. Similarly, selection ofdestination chart icon 413 displays one or more charts corresponding toa destination airport. For example, selecting origin chart icon 411displays one or more charts corresponding to origin name indicator 410,and selecting destination chart icon 413 displays one or more chartscorresponding to destination name indicator 412. Origin chart icon 411and destination chart icon 413 provide convenient selection ofappropriate airport charts for displaying on TSIP 210. Example chartsare shown in FIGS. 4G-4J.

Distance indicator 414 displays an estimated flight distance as part ofthe flight planning system. Similarly, duration indicator 415 displaysan estimated duration as part of the flight planning system. Distancemay be calculated based on a projected flight path, and duration may becalculated based on distance and a desired altitude and airspeed. Basedon flight path 421 displayed in mapping interface 429, distanceindicator 414 may display a value, for example, in nautical miles (NM)and duration indicator 415 may display a value, for example, in hoursand minutes (hh:mm). Distance indicator 414 is 162.14 nautical miles andduration indicator 415 is 52 minutes, as shown in FIG. 4A. As alternateflight paths are considered, distance indicator 414 may displaycorresponding alternate distances and duration indicator 415 may displaycorresponding alternate times. During flight, as the distance andduration remaining to arrive at the destination decrease, the distanceindicator 414 and duration indicator 415 update accordingly. For flightplanning activities, distance indicator 414 and duration indicator 415conveniently display the remaining estimated flight path distance andduration, respectively.

Altitude indicator 416 is configured such that selection thereofactivates an altitude component of the flight planning system.Similarly, airspeed indicator 417 is configured such that selectionthereof activates an airspeed component of the flight planning system.Altitude indicator 416 and airspeed indicator 417 may be used, forexample, to select a cruising altitude and a cruising airspeed,respectively. In an embodiment, touching altitude indicator 416 orairspeed indicator 417 on TSIP 210 displays a touch-screen keyboard forentering values. Altitude indicator 416 and airspeed indicator 417display the selected cruising altitude and airspeed, respectively.Altitude indicator 416 is 10,500 feet (FT) and airspeed indicator 417 is400 nautical miles per hour (KTS) in FIG. 4A. In an embodiment, altitudeindicator 416 and airspeed indicator 417 display values using differentunits, such as metric system units. During flight, altitude indicator416 and airspeed indicator 417 may update in real-time to display theaircraft's actual airspeed and altitude. Since an aircraft's altitudeand airspeed affect duration of a flight, duration indicator 415 updatesits value whenever changes are made to altitude indicator 416 orairspeed indicator 417 during flight planning activities. Altitudeindicator 416 and airspeed indicator 417 provide convenient selection ofcruising altitude and cruising airspeed for efficient flight planning.

Play button 418 is configured such that selection thereof activates avirtual flight plan component of the flight planning system. By touchingplay button 418, a virtual flight plan is displayed on mapping interface429. Specifically, aircraft icon 420 moves from origin location 419along flight path 421 to destination location 422. The virtual flightplan dynamically represents the aircraft simulating a projected path ofthe flight plan overlaid on mapping interface 429. In an embodiment, thevirtual flight plan simulates the flight at an accelerated pace anddisplays the estimated remaining distance and duration via distanceindicator 414 and duration indicator 415, which count down during thesimulation. Virtual flight plan also illustrates a forecasted weatherrepresentation 423 overlaid on mapping interface 429, thereby enabling apilot to visualize aircraft icon 420 dynamically encounter forecastedweather representation 423. Thus, alternate flight paths may beconsidered in an attempt to avoid forecasted weather 423. Selection ofplay button 418 causes a display of a visual simulation of a virtualflight plan for effective flight planning.

The menu along the right side of the panel in FIG. 4A includes optionsto select alternate views for mapping interface 429 including viewsbased on high instrument flight rules (IFR) 424, low IFR 425, visualflight rules (VFR) 426, satellite imagery (SAT) 427, and terrainrepresentation (TERR) 428 for example. Panel 400 may be configured todisplay greater or fewer menu items along the right of the panel or toarrange items differently without departing from the scope hereof.

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary mapping interface 429 based on high IFR424. Note that high IFR 424 is highlighted compared to the other optionson the right side of the panel, indicating that the high IRF option wasselected. IFR are rules and regulations established by the FederalAviation Administration (FAA) to govern flight when flying conditions donot allow for safe visual reference, and pilots must rely on theirflight instruments for navigation. High IFR 424 illustrates availableroutes on an aeronautical map based on an established set of rules forefficient flight planning.

FIGS. 4B-4E depict exemplary flight planning panels 430, 432, 434, 436,which are examples of panel 400 of FIG. 4A. Flight planning panels 430,432, 434, 436 include mapping interfaces 431, 433, 435, 437, which arebased on low IFR 425, VFR 426, satellite imagery 427, and terrainrepresentation 428, respectively. A user has the option of viewing oneor more mapping interfaces (429, 431, 433, 435, 437) while creating theflight plan.

FIG. 4B depicts flight planning panel 430, which is an example of flightplanning panel 400 of FIG. 4A, that is configured to show a mappinginterface 431 based on low IFR 425. Note that the set of routesavailable differ between high IFR 424 and low IFR 425. Low IFR 425illustrates available routes on an aeronautical map based on anestablished set of FAA rules for efficient flight planning.

FIG. 4C depicts flight planning panel 432, which is an example of flightplanning panel 400 of FIG. 4A, that is configured to show a mappinginterface 433 based on VFR 426. VFR is a set of FAA rules andregulations for flying an aircraft using outside visual cues, whereinreliance on instruments is optional for pilots. VFR 426 illustrates anaeronautical map showing routes based on available visual cues forefficient flight planning.

FIG. 4D depicts flight planning panel 434, which is an example of flightplanning panel 400 of FIG. 4A, that is configured to show a mappinginterface 435 based on satellite imagery (SAT) 427. Satellite imageryincludes, for example, composite images of multiple photographs taken byone or more satellites from an Earth orbit. Satellite imagery 427provides a mapping interface 435 based on composite satellite images forefficient flight planning.

FIG. 4E depicts flight planning panel 434, which is an example of theflight planning panel 400 of FIG. 4A, that is configured to show amapping interface 437 based on a terrain representation (TERR) 428.Terrain representation 428 represents terrain features of Earth withlines and shading, where different shades may represent water, land anddifferent elevations for example. Lines may indicate city and countyboundaries, roads, and land/water interfaces. Terrain representation 428provides a mapping interface 437 based on Earth terrain for efficientflight planning.

FIG. 4F shows steps of an exemplary flight planning method 439 utilizingan interactive map on a touch screen device in an aircraft cockpit. Instep 440, a set of flight rules is received. In an example of step 440,a user selects either high IFR 424, low IFR 425, or VFR 426, as shown inFIG. 4A-4C, respectively, for viewing and selecting a flight path basedon a desired set of flight rules.

In step 441, an indication of both an origin airport and a destinationairport is received via the touch screen device. In an example of step441, a user selects an origin/destination airport by activating theorigin/destination selecting component of the flight planning systemfrom panel 400. Specifically, origin selecting component is activatedusing origin name indicator 410, to search for or enter an airport nameor code via keyboard, or using origin location 419, to select an originairport by touching and holding a location within mapping interface 429.Similarly, destination selecting component is activated usingdestination name indicator 412 to type an airport name or code, ortouching and holding destination location 422.

In step 442, a flight path is displayed on the map based on each of theset of flight rules and the origin and destination airports. In anexample of step 442, flight path 421 is depicted on the map of at leastone of mapping interface 429 (FIG. 4A), 431 (FIG. 4B), 433 (FIG. 4C),435 (FIG. 4D), 437 (FIG. 4E). In an embodiment, flight path 421illustrates a projected path from origin location 419 to destinationlocation 422 that is displayed on a particular mapping interface for agiven set of flight rules (e.g., 429 of FIG. 4A, 431 of FIG. 4B, 433 ofFIG. 4C), as well as for the alternate views satellite imagery 435 (FIG.4D) and terrain representation 437 (FIG. 4E).

In step 443, a set of flight rules is received from a selection of atleast one of the following options: high IFR, low IFR, or VFR. In anexample of step 443, a user displays and selects one set of flight rulesusing panel 400 by touching high IFR 424, low IFR 425, or VFR 426.

In step 444, an indication of an origin runway and a destination runwayis received. In an example of step 444, a user selects origin anddestination runways by activating the origin/destination selectingcomponent of the flight planning system. Specifically, origin selectingcomponent is activated using origin name indicator 410 or originlocation 419, and destination selecting component is activated usingdestination name indicator 412 or destination location 422, as describedabove for step 441. Once an origin/destination airport is selected, amenu of available runways for receiving a runway selection is displayedat step 444.

In optional step 445, an indication of one or more waypoints between theorigin and destination based on received map locations is received,wherein a waypoint is a coordinate in physical space. In an example ofstep 445, a waypoint is selected by touching and holding a location onmapping interface 429 to display a menu for selecting a waypoint. In anembodiment, one or more additional waypoints are added to the flightplan by sequentially touching and holding map locations.

In optional step 446, forecasted weather is displayed utilizing dynamicrepresentations on the map. In an example of step 446, forecastedweather representation 423 is displayed on mapping interface 429 of FIG.4A. In an embodiment, weather representation 423 is a dynamicrepresentation of recent weather or forecasted weather.

In optional step 447, a virtual flight plan is displayed, wherein anaircraft icon simulates the flight path on the map. In an example ofstep 447, touching play button 418 initiates aircraft icon 420 to movefrom origin location 419 to destination location 422 along flight path421 of FIGS. 4A-4E. In an embodiment, simulated flight plan includespotential interaction with dynamic representation of forecasted weather423.

In optional step 448, an alternate flight path is generated, therebyproviding a standby flight plan. In an example of step 448, thealternate flight path is created using steps 440 to 447, as describedabove. In an embodiment, the alternate flight path is designated as astandby flight plan by touching standby plan link 409.

FIGS. 4G-4J depict example charts from a charts component of the flightplanning system. The charts component may be activated in several ways,including touching origin chart icon 411 or destination chart icon 413of FIG. 4A, for example. One or more chart icons may also be displayedon TSIP 210 outside of flight planning panel 400. Proximity icon 402 andfavorites icon 403 may also be used to activate the charts component.Within the mapping interface 429, charts component is activated inresponse to touch of an origin location 419 or destination location 422on TSIP 210. Lastly, charts component is activated by typing an airportcode, airport name, or city from a keyboard.

The charts component may utilize onboard computer 201 to processinformation including user input, database 230, GPS location, and flightplan, for determining which airport chart to display. Database 230provides the necessary charts to display. GPS location data are accessedwhen the proximity component is used to select an airport. Flight plandata are used based upon origin and destination airports of a loadedflight plan.

FIG. 4G depicts an exemplary charts panel 449. Along the bottom ofcharts panel 449 is, for example, a title indicator 450, proximity icon451, favorites icon 452, frequencies (FREQ) link 453, and procedureslink 454. Proximity icon 451 and favorites icon 452, which are examplesof proximity icon 402 and favorites icon 403 of FIG. 4A, are used toaccess charts based on proximate airports or a list of favorite/frequentairports, respectively. Frequencies link 453 provides one touch accessto a list of radio frequencies associated with the displayed chart. Theradio frequencies displayed include, for example, Automatic TerminalInformation Service (ATIS), Clearance, Ground Control, Tower, ApproachControl and Departure Control. The user may select a desired frequencyby touch and load the desired frequency into a radio frequency panel(see FIG. 4K). Procedures link 454, which is an example of procedureslink 407 of FIG. 4A, provides a link to standardized procedures andchecklists for airport approach and departure. Charts panel 449 may beconfigured to display greater or fewer items along the bottom or toarrange items differently without departing from the scope hereof.

The right side of charts panel 449 includes airport code indicator 455,approach/departure indicator 456, and select navigation indicator 457.Selection of airport code indicator 455 enables selection of an airportand displays its code. Approach/departure indicator 456 enablesselection for approaching or departing an airport. For example, if auser is approaching Nassau, Bahamas, MYNN is selected for airport codeindicator 455 and approach is selected for approach/departure indicator456. A chart for approaching MYNN is displayed in charts panel 449 as afirst page chart 458 and a second page chart 459. First page chart 458shows airport runways and gates, for example. By pinning charts panel449 to TSIP 210, such that panel 449 remains stationary on TSIP 210,first and second chart pages 458, 459 may be zoomed, dragged, orotherwise manipulated using touch gestures. Selection of selectnavigation indicator 457 enables selection of a navigation type (seeFIG. 4H).

FIG. 4H depicts an exemplary charts panel 460 in which select navigationindicator 457 is selected to display navigation types available for theaircraft and selected airport. Navigation types include instrumentlanding system (ILS) 461, automatic direction finder (ADF) 462, VHF(very high frequency) omnidirectional range (VOR) 463, globalpositioning system (GPS) 464, non-directional beacon (NDB) 465, anddistance measuring equipment (DME) 466.

FIG. 4I depicts an exemplary charts panel 467 in which navigation by ILS461 has been selected. Once a navigation type is selected, the chartscomponent automatically displays available runways.

FIG. 4J depicts an exemplary charts panel 468 in which runway fourteen(RWY 14) 469 has been selected. A chart 470, corresponding to anapproach for runway fourteen is displayed in panel 468. Charts panel 468is configured such that changes to selections may be made byre-selecting any previous selection, for example airport code indicator455, approach/departure indicator 456, or select navigation indicator457.

FIG. 4K depicts an exemplary radio frequency panel 471 of the flightplanning system. Radio frequency panel 471 may be accessed in severalways, including selecting or touching one of a communications link onTSIP 210, proximity icon 402, or favorites icon 403. Within the mappinginterface 429, radio frequency panel is accessed in response to touch ofradio source locations displayed on the map, including, for example,waypoints and origin/destination airports. Lastly, radio frequencycomponent may be accessed by typing or searching for an airport code,airport name, or radio frequency, using a keyboard to search a menustored in database 230.

Radio frequency panel 471 includes a title indicator 472, a pilotindicator 473, an email icon 474, a proximity icon 475, a favorites icon476, a text message icon 477, and a co-pilot indicator 478. An exampletitle, as in FIG. 4K, is COMM, which is communication abbreviated,communication being the primary purpose of radio frequency panel 471.Pilot indicator 473 illuminates when a pilot (as opposed to a co-pilot)is the active user who controls radio frequency panel 471. Email icon474 is used to access an email client for communicating via email.Proximity icon 475 and favorites icon 476, which are examples ofproximity icon 402 and favorites icon 403 of FIG. 4A, are used foraccessing radio frequencies based on proximity to the aircraft or basedon a list of favorite radio frequencies, respectively. Text message icon477 provides a link to a text messaging component for sending andreceiving text messages sent via radio. Co-pilot indicator 478illuminates when a co-pilot (as opposed to a pilot) is the active userwho controls radio frequency panel 471.

Radio frequency panel 471 includes a display of radio frequenciesorganized in rows for example. Each row includes a communication typeindicator 479, a radio frequency indicator 480, a radio frequencyidentifier 481, a microphone icon 482, a keyboard icon 483, a TXT icon484, and a headset icon 485. Communication type indicator 479 lists thetype of use for each corresponding radio frequency indicator 480. Forexample, COM indicates a radio frequency used for radio communication(e.g., with an airport tower or ground control), and NAV indicates aradio frequency used for aircraft navigation (e.g., with ground radiobeacons). Radio frequency indicator 480 lists the actual frequency ofthe radio waves in kHz. Radio frequency identifier 481 is a name todescribe the purpose or recipient of the radio communication at thatparticular frequency. In an embodiment, radio frequency identifier 481includes custom names for rapid identification of appropriate radiofrequencies. Microphone icon 482 provides a switch and display forturning a microphone on or off for radio communication. Selection ofkeyboard icon 483 brings up a keyboard on TSIP 210 for typing. TXT icon484 displays which radio frequency is active for sending and receivingtext messages via the text messaging component. Headset icon 485includes volume control for adjusting headset volume.

The rows of radio frequencies listed in panel 471 include a firstcommunications channel 486, abbreviated COM1; a second communicationschannel 487, abbreviated COM2; a first navigation channel 488,abbreviated NAV1; a second navigation channel 489, abbreviated NAV2; anda transmit channel 490, abbreviated TRANS 490. Rows 486, 488, and 490are highlighted to indicate active radio frequencies. First and secondcommunications channels 486, 487 are, for example, used for radiocommunication with an airport ground control. First and secondnavigation channels 488, 489 are, for example, used for radiocommunication with navigational aids, such as fixed ground beacon or GPSnetworks. Transponder channel 490 is, for example, used foridentification with other aircraft and air traffic control. An identifysymbol (IDENT) 491 may be selected to transmit a transponder code to airtraffic control or another aircraft. Additional frequencies may belisted, for example, under rows 486, 487, 488, and 489 in FIG. 4K, forquick and easy selection of alternate radio frequencies. Additionally,other frequencies not shown can be accessed by scrolling the window downto access them. Those frequency channels include, but are not limitedto, automatic direction finder (ADF), direction measuring equipment 1and 2 (DME1 and DME2), and high frequency 1 and 2 (HF1 and HF2).

FIG. 4L shows steps of an exemplary flight planning method 492 forproviding a chart on a touch screen device. Method 492 utilizes onboardcomputer 201 to process information including user input, database 230,GPS location, and flight plan, for determining which airport chart todisplay. Database 230 provides the necessary charts to display forexample. GPS location data are accessed, for example, when the proximitycomponent is used to select an airport. Flight plan data may be usedbased upon origin and destination airports of a loaded flight plan.

In step 493, a list of menu options is presented on a touch screenmounted in an aircraft cockpit. In an example of step 493, a chartsfunction is selected displaying charts panel 449. In an embodiment,charts function is selected from origin chart icon 411, destinationchart icon 413, proximity icon 402, or favorites icon 403 of panel 400of FIG. 4A, or from one or more touch icons displayed on TSIP 210. In anembodiment, charts component is activated in response to touch of anorigin location 419 or destination location 442 within mapping interface429. In an embodiment, charts component is activated by typing anairport code, airport name, or city from a keyboard. Menu options areselected by using charts panel 449 (FIG. 4G) displayed on TSIP 210.

In step 494, an indication of an airport is received. In an example ofstep 494, an indication of an airport is selected and its code isdisplayed using airport code indicator 455 of charts panel 449 of FIG.4G. In an embodiment, an airport for Nassau, Bahamas, is selected andthe airport code MYNN is displayed (see FIG. 4G).

In step 495, corresponding charts are identified and automaticallydisplayed. In an example of step 495, a first page chart 458 and asecond page chart 459 are identified and displayed in charts panel 449.

In optional step 496, it is identified that a selected chart is pinnedto the touch screen by selection of a pin icon to enable manipulation ofthe selected chart with one or more touch gestures. In an example ofoptional step 496, charts panel 449 is pinned to TSIP 210 enabling firstand second chart pages 458, 459 to be dragged, scrolled, rotated, zoomedor otherwise manipulated using touch gestures. A chart may be pinned toTSIP 210 before or after any step of method 492.

In step 497, an indication of approach or departure is received. In anexample of step 497, approach is selected and displayed usingapproach/departure indicator 456 of charts panel 449 of FIG. 4G.

In step 498, an indication of a navigation type is received. In anexample of step 498, navigation type is selected using select navigationindicator 457 of charts panel 449 of FIG. 4G. In an embodiment,available navigation types include ILS 461, ADF 462, VOR 463, GPS 464,NDB 465, and DME 466 as depicted in charts panel 460 of FIG. 4H. In anembodiment, navigation by ILS 461 is selected as shown in charts panel467 of FIG. 4I.

In step 499, a menu of available runways is automatically displayed. Inan example of step 499, a menu of available runways is displayed incharts panel 449. In an embodiment, runway fourteen (RWY 14) 469 isselected and corresponding chart 470 for approach to runway fourteen isshown in charts panel 468 of FIG. 4J.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providingnavigational aids. Navigational aids have been used in aircraft toassist users in navigation and to improve situational awareness.However, the aids are typically separate components and sometimesmultiple sources need to be referenced to gain access to necessaryinformation. Additionally, the displays of previous navigational aidsystems were limited and not able to display detailed informationrelated to the navigational aid. For example, the previous displays weretypically very small so including detailed information was not feasiblesince there was no room on the screen to display the information.

A navigational aid, as used herein, refers generally to a tool utilizedto aid in the navigation of a vehicle whether it is the physicalnavigation of the vehicle, additional information aiding in the physicalnavigation of the vehicle, or the like. A vehicle may be any mode oftransportation including, but not limited to, aircraft, watercrafts,etc. In preferred embodiments, the present invention is implementedwithin an aircraft. While navigational aids currently exist that help“guide” a vehicle, or aircraft in embodiments, that is the extent of theaid. A mere “guide” showing where the aircraft is traveling is provided.The present invention offers integration of multiple informationalsources as well as detailed navigational information.

The navigational aids of the present invention may be displayed via theTSIP 210. Additionally, the use of a camera, such as camera 290, mayfacilitate the capture of the real-time image displayed on the TSIP 210.The navigations aids described herein may be displayed on the TSIP 210overlaying the real-time image. In embodiments, navigational aids aredisplayed overlaying a three-dimensional real-time panoramic view. Thenavigational aids may include, for instance, a flight guide, an airportguide, and a traffic guide, to name a few. Any other application thataids in the navigation of a vehicle (e.g., aircraft) may be included inthe navigational aids displayed via TSIP 210.

Initially, a flight guide navigational aid will be discussed. The flightguide may be displayed overlaying the three-dimensional real-time imageof the TSIP 210. The flight guide itself may be displayed in athree-dimensional representation. The flight guide, with the use of aplurality of planes, or path indicators, creates a graphicalrepresentation of a flight plan and/or flight path. Flight plan, as usedherein, refers generally to a planned path identified at the onset ofthe flight an aircraft should follow to arrive at a destination. Aflight path, as used herein, refers generally to an actual path of anaircraft. The flight path may or may not be the same as the flight plan.User configurations may determine whether a flight plan or flight pathis displayed. Alternatively, a setting could be selected that providesboth the flight plan and the flight path such that a user is able toquickly view if there are any differences between the current flightplan and the planned flight plan.

The flight guide may interact with various systems of an aircraftincluding, but not limited to, aircraft avionics, autopilot and flightplan systems to determine location, speed, altitude, attitude, and thelike, to display the appropriate flight track the aircraft will/shouldfollow. The information necessary to the flight guide application may beacquired from the ARINC Data Bus of any avionics manufacturer system. Inembodiments, the flight guide application may be a stand-alone componentin communication with the avionics manufacturer's system. In additionalembodiments, the flight guide application may be incorporated into anavionics manufacturer's system.

FIG. 5A provides an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) 501illustrating a flight guide application. A real-time image 502 isprovided via the TSIP 210 and the flight guide application is providedsuch that it is overlaying the real-time image 502. The flight guideapplication is embodied in GUI 300 as a flight path 503 comprising aplurality of planes, or path indicators. The plurality of planes/pathindicators may be used to highlight the flight path 503 of an aircraft.The plurality of planes may each be associated with various coordinates(e.g., physical locations in space), glide slopes, and the like. In anembodiment, the information associated with each plane/path indicator(e.g., glide slope, etc.) is displayed to a user upon an indication suchas selection of the plane, hovering over the plane/path indicator, etc.

The flight guide application may be a feature that is controlleddirectly from the TSIP 210. FIG. 5B provides an exemplary GUI 505illustrating the selection features of the flight guide application. Theflight guide 506 may be displayed in combination with a menu including aflight guide activation icon 507 and a user interface panel 508including flight path details. The flight guide activation icon 507 maybe configured such that selection thereof provides a detailed flightplan user interface panel 508. The user interface panel 508 may includethe flight plan from origin to destination, weather, a current flightpath to destination, and the like. Within the user interface panel 508 aflight guide activation icon 509 may be included that is configured suchthat selection thereof activates (i.e., turns on) or deactivates (i.e.,turns off) the flight guide application. If deactivated, the flightguide 506 may no longer be presented on the TSIP 210. Upon reactivation,the flight guide 506 may reappear via the GUI 505. This allows users theability to dynamically control activation of the flight guide 506.

Turning now to FIG. 5C, an exemplary GUI 510 is provided thatillustrates a flight guide 511. As previously mentioned, the flightguide 511 illustrates a flight path including one or more pathindicators to provide a graphical representation of the flight path. Theone or more path indicators may each be associated with spatialcoordinates. For instance, a first path indicator 512 is associated withdifferent spatial coordinates than a second path indicator 513.Additionally, each of the path indicators may be represented in adifferent manner as the vehicle is approaching a path indicator. Forexample, the representation may be based on distance such that a firstpath indicator within X distance may be represented one way (e.g., aspecific color, a visual representation, etc.) while a second pathindicator within Y distance (further than X distance) may be representedanother way, different from the first path indicator (e.g., a specificcolor different than that used for the first path indicator, a visualrepresentation different from that used for the first path indicator,etc.). Alternatively, path indicators may be displayed the same way whenthey are each greater than a predetermined distance from the aircraft.This may be helpful so that only path indicators that are proximate(within a predetermined distance from an aircraft) are displayeddifferently and attract attention while the remaining path indicatorsthat are not proximate indicate the flight path without distinguishingrepresentations.

A plurality of path indicators is provided in FIG. 5C and may be seen asa first path indicator 512 and a second path indicator 513. As is shown,first path indicator 512 is on top of, or before, second path indicator513 in the flight guide 511. This alerts users that the first pathindicator 512 and coordinates associated therewith will be encounteredprior to the second path indicator 513 and its respective coordinates.

The flight guide 511 may include one or more waypoints. A waypoint, asused herein, refers generally to coordinate in physical space. FIG. 5Cprovides a first waypoint 5314 and a second waypoint 515. By of example,a waypoint may be a destination airport, radio beacon, or VOR (VHFOmni-Directional Radio) stations along the flight guide, etc. The flightguide 511 may be configured so that path indicators are associated withwaypoints. In embodiments, path indicators are displayed differentlywhen approaching a waypoint. For example, when an aircraft is proximateto a waypoint (i.e., within a predetermined distance from a waypoint),the path indicators leading to the waypoint may be displayed differentlyto signal an approach. The path indicators may, for example, flash whenthe aircraft is approaching the path indicator. The path indicators may,alternatively, change colors to signal a relative distance from theaircraft, the waypoint, etc. The information necessary to integrate theflight guide, waypoints, etc., may be acquired from any aircraft systempreviously mentioned that typically supplies the data (e.g., GPS,charts, etc.).

This example is further described with respect to FIG. 5D. FIG. 5Dprovides an exemplary GUI 516 that is a front-view of a flight guide 517including one or more path indicators, a first path indicator 518 and asecond path indicator 519. As with FIG. 5C, the first path indicator 508and second path indicator 519 are arranged such that the path of theaircraft is apparent to one or more users.

FIG. 5E provides an exemplary GUI 520 of an exemplary descent screen. Asin FIG. 5C, a flight guide 521 is provided with one or more pathindicators illustrated. The concept described with reference to FIG. 5Cis applicable in this example as well but is directed to a descent,specifically. As previously described, the one or more path indicatorsmay be configured to convey information based on a distance to or from awaypoint, the aircraft, or the like. In a descent situation, the one ormore path indicators proximate to the destination will indicate adescent is approaching and may be proximate to a waypoint 522 (e.g.,destination airport). Similar to previous examples, this may beillustrated by displaying the path indicators differently to drawattention to them by, for example, using different colors, flashing thepath indicators, etc. It is noted that the flight guides provided inFIGS. 5A-5E are overlaying a three-dimensional real-time image on theTSIP.

One or more airports, as previously described, may be provided in aflight guide as a waypoint, a destination, an origin, or the like. Whennavigating, it may be useful to have access to airport informationassociated with said airports, whether it is the destination airport ornot, for a variety of reasons. FIG. 5F provides an exemplary GUI 523illustrating an embodiment where detailed information regarding anairport is provided. As with the previous GUI's described, FIG. 5Fdepicts a flight guide overlaying a real-time image. FIG. 5F provides adestination airport indicator 524 along with a user interface panel 525.The destination airport indicator 524 may be configured such thatselection thereof results in the display of the user interface panel525. A selection may be hovering over the indicator 525, touching theindicator 525 with a finger, a stylus, or any other input device, or anyother method used for selection of an item on a touch-screen interface.The user interface panel 525 may include detailed information associatedwith the indicator 524. In this case, the destination airport indicator810 is associated with a destination airport so information related tothe particular destination is provided such as, for example, the airportcode of the airport, an elevation, a distance of the destination airportfrom the aircraft, a frequency with which to contact the airport, andthe like. Any information may be provided in the user interface panel525 as determined by a user.

Airports may be presented within the TSIP when it is determined they arewithin a predetermined distance from the aircraft. The predetermineddistance may be any distance desired by a user and is configurable suchthat it may be dynamically changed. An exemplary predetermined distanceis 150 nautical miles. A current location of the aircraft may becontinuously monitored such that the predetermined distance evaluated isconstantly changing. For instance 150 nautical miles from the aircraftat Point A is different when the aircraft travels 5 miles east to PointB. Thus, the TSIP may be in constant communication with other aircraftsystems to provide updated, real-time data including a current locationof the aircraft and any updates to airport information based on changesin the aircraft's current location.

As with airports, there may be situations where detailed informationrelated to traffic may be needed. Traffic, as used herein, refersgenerally to any vehicle proximate to, or within a predetermineddistance of, the aircraft. FIG. 5G provides an exemplary GUI 526illustrating a traffic embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5Gillustrates this embodiment where traffic is indicated with a flightinstrument display (similar to flight instrument display 120 of FIG. 1)but traffic could be displayed in any part of the TSIP. Here, an item oftraffic is detected and represented as traffic icon 527. Traffic icon527 may be associated with a traffic information panel 528. The trafficinformation panel 528 may include a tail number as a traffic identifieror any other identifying means to identify traffic associated with thetraffic icon 527. In this case, a tail number of the aircraft associatedwith the traffic icon 527 is provided in the traffic information panel528.

Traffic icon 527 may be configured such that selection thereof mayresult in a display of detailed traffic information. The detailedinformation may be provided in a detailed traffic panel as illustratedin FIG. 5H. FIG. 5H provides an exemplary GUI 529 illustrating a trafficicon 530 and a detailed traffic panel 531. The detailed traffic panel531 in this case provides a tail number as a traffic identifier or otheridentifying means (that may have been displayed in a traffic informationpanel similar to traffic information panel 528 of FIG. 5G prior toselection of the traffic icon 530) as well as an elevation of thetraffic associated with the traffic icon 530, a distance away from theaircraft, a speed, and the like. Information displayed may be configuredby users to achieve a customized interface.

The ability to make a selection of, for example, a traffic icon or adestination airport indicator allows users to obtain a real-timedetailed view via the TSIP where users may have otherwise been requiredto reference several sources to compile information and still would nothave the compilation viewable on a touch screen interface with a singleselection. Each embodiment of this application (e.g., traffic andairport details, flight guides, etc.) may be provided overlaying areal-time image.

Additionally, with each of the airport and traffic embodiments,information may have been previously displayed such as a simpleidentifier but detailed information including distance, elevation,speed, etc. was not previously displayed.

Furthermore, with each of the airport and traffic embodiments, a currentlocation of the aircraft is continuously monitored and updated (via, forexample, GPS) such that the airport information, traffic information,waypoint information, etc. is accurate. For example, the flight guidediscussed herein is configured to indicate a proximate waypoint. Acurrent location of an aircraft is continuously monitored and updated sothat it is known when a waypoint is within a predetermined distance ofthe aircraft. Similarly, a current location of an aircraft should beknown at all times in order to ascertain traffic that is within apredetermined distance of the current location. This real-timemonitoring provides up-to-date information. Furthermore, detailedinformation provided (e.g., detailed airport information, detailedtraffic information) may include information that requires updatingbased on updates to a current location of an aircraft. For instance, inFIG. 5H, a distance from the aircraft is provided as 4.1. As theaircraft moves, and as the traffic moves, this distance between the twochanges and may be updated as updated locations and speeds areidentified of both the aircraft and the traffic.

Traffic information may be provided to users based on distance levels. Adistance level, as used herein, refers generally to distance ranges toorganize data. Aircraft users (e.g., pilots, co-pilots) would like to bealerted to traffic but, in some cases, may not need an urgent alert. Forexample, traffic may be detected that is X distance away from aircraft,where X is a completely normal, safe distance. On the other hand,traffic may be detected that is Y distance from the aircraft, where Y isnot necessarily a risk yet but is something that should be monitored ormay require action. Lastly, there may situations where traffic isdetected at Z distance, where Z is an emergent situation that is a riskand requires action to avoid danger. It makes sense to provide thesevarying levels of traffic notifications to a user in a different manner.Thus, distance levels may be utilized to organize traffic. Distancelevels may be configured by a user and exemplary figures are only usedherein for example purposes only. Assume that a predetermined distancefrom an aircraft to monitor is 100 nautical miles. A first distancelevel may be 50-75 nautical miles, while a second distance may be 25-50nautical miles, and further more a third distance may be less than 25nautical miles. Again, these distances are merely exemplary and may beconfigured and customized for each user's preferences. Additionally, thesystem may be configured to include as many distance levels as desiredby users.

Thus, when traffic is detected within the first distance level, it maysimply be displayed via the TSIP with some identifying information.Alternatively, traffic at other distance levels designated by a user toaccompany a notification may be provided via the TSIP along with analert. The alert may be a separate notification (e.g., a pop-up alertpanel) or may be included in or with the traffic icon (e.g., anexclamation point on the traffic icon, the traffic icon appearing in analert color (e.g., red), and the like). Additionally, the TSIP may beequipped with a master alert system that results in the TSIP (the entireTSIP) indicating an alert is present. In the example of nearby traffic,if an alert is warranted based on the distance level, the TSIP masteralert system may initiate and generate an alert by, for example, makinga border of the TSIP flash with an alert (e.g., the border may flash acolor (red)), switch to an alert state (e.g., the border may switch toan alert color designated by a user), or the like.

With reference to FIG. 5I, a flow diagram is provided showing anexemplary method 532 for providing navigational aids. Initially, atblock 533, an indication of a flight path that includes one or morewaypoints is received. A graphical representation of the flight path isgenerated at block 534. The graphical representation includes aplurality of planes (path indicators) along the flight path, whereineach plane is associated with a slope and an angle for an orientation ofa vehicle navigating the flight path. At block 535 the graphicalrepresentation is dynamically updated relative to an updated location ofthe vehicle.

With reference to FIG. 5J, a flow diagram is provided showing anotherexemplary method 536 for providing navigational aids. Initially, atblock 537, one or more airports proximate to a location of an aircraftis identified. Information associated with the one or more airports isidentified at block 538 and includes, at least, an airport identifierand a distance from the aircraft. An airport icon is generated for eachof the one or more airports at block 539 and is provided at block 540.At block 541, the one or more airports and airport icons are updatedbased on an updated location of the aircraft.

With reference to FIG. 5K, a flow diagram is provided showing yetanother exemplary method 542 for providing navigational aids. Initially,at block 543, a location of a first aircraft is identified. At block544, any traffic within a predetermined distance of the first aircraftis identified, wherein traffic includes other aircraft. It is thendetermined that a second aircraft is within the predetermined distanceof the first aircraft at block 545. A traffic user interface panel thatincludes information associated with the second aircraft includingairspeed of the second aircraft is generated at block 546. Thepredetermine distance from the first aircraft is monitored and updatedaccording to an updated location of the first aircraft at block 547.

Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed toproviding a synthetic vision display in combination with the TSIP. SVShave been used in aircraft for quite some time to improve situationalawareness. However, the synthetic vision enhancements were eitherapplied entirely or not at all. SVS are not currently available in agradient-type application. In other words, synthetic vision enhancementshave not been applied to a real-time image to achieve an image that is acombination of a real-time image and a synthetic vision enhancement. Forexample, rather than turning the SVS on and viewing a 100% syntheticimage, a user could, utilizing the present invention, indicate that asynthetic vision enhancement should be applied according to a syntheticvision application value. A synthetic vision application value, as usedherein, refers generally to a numerical value with which to apply asynthetic vision enhancement. In embodiments, the synthetic visionapplication value is a percentage value. In additional embodiments, thesynthetic vision application value is a percentage value less than 100%to achieve a combination of a synthetically enhanced image and thereal-time original image.

In application, a real-time image is captured by, for example, thecamera 290 of FIG. 2, and displayed via the TSIP 210. The real-time,unenhanced, image may be referred to as an original image herein. FIG.6A illustrates an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) 601 in whicha real-time image is displayed. The GUI includes, as previouslyidentified, one or more flight instrument displays 602, one or morenavigational displays 603 and the underlying real-time image 604. As isshown in FIG. 6A, the real-time image 604 does not include much detailas visibility is low in this example. Thus, one could imagine the viewof the real-time image 604 as it is displayed is merely fog, clouds,etc.

The original image may be modified to include synthetic visionenhancements upon receiving an indication to apply a synthetic visionapplication or enhancement to the original image. The indication may bea user selection from a menu of the TSIP or any other means available toactivate or apply a synthetic vision enhancement.

Once indicated, a synthetic vision application value is identified andapplied to an original image. The synthetic vision application value maybe user input. Alternatively, a default value may be set in the systemto be automatically applied such as, for example, 50%. Any desired valuemay be set as the default value.

The indicated synthetic vision enhancement may be overlaid on theoriginal image to generate a modified image. FIG. 6B illustrates anexemplary GUI 605 in which an original image is modified, or overlaid,with a synthetic vision enhancement according to a synthetic visionapplication value. FIG. 6B includes a modified image including asynthetic vision enhancement at a 50% application value. As is clear inFIG. 6B, the GUI 605 includes a view area 606 that is much clearer andmore detailed than that in FIG. 6A. Note that the images in FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B are identical and are only different in the amount of syntheticvision applied to illustrate the clarity achieved with the gradientfunctionality of the synthetic vision application of the presentinvention. FIG. 6B clearly identifies various parts of a landscapeincluding terrain 607, water 608, and clouds 609. The markers identifiedin FIG. 6B (i.e., terrain, water, clouds) are merely exemplary in natureand any identifying markers could be included in a view.

FIG. 6C goes on to include a detailed GUI 610 in which the originalimage is modified, or overlaid, with a synthetic vision enhancementaccording to a synthetic vision application value. FIG. 6C includes amodified image including a synthetic vision enhancement at a 90%application value. The application values illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B,and 6C are merely exemplary in nature and any value from 0-100% ispossible. Ideally, a value less than 100% is utilized to achieve animage combining both a synthetic, digitally created view with areal-time, original view. Also, as with FIG. 6B, the image of FIG. 6C isidentical to that of FIG. 6A, it is merely illustrating the originalimage of FIG. 6A overlaid with a synthetic enhancement. As is shown inFIG. 6C, the view area 606 includes the landscape shown in FIG. 6B, butwith a higher degree of clarity. For instance, more details are visiblein terrain 611 and clouds 613. Also present is water 612.

The gradient-type feature of the synthetic vision application providesusers the ability to dynamically adjust images. This improvessituational awareness by allowing users more power in controlling theimage. For example, on a foggy/cloudy day, a user may need moresynthetic vision to “see” through the weather but as the fog/cloudslift, the user could reduce the amount of synthetic vision enhancementsto bring in real images to better identify landmarks (e.g., roads,rivers, houses, etc.) that the synthetic vision would not show.

The TSIP 210 may be further configured to display data in athree-dimensional view. Weather, for instance, may be displayed in athree-dimensional view in combination with the original image.Alternatively, data (e.g., weather) may be displayed in athree-dimensional view in combination with a modified image includingthe original image and a synthetic vision enhancement. This embodimentis illustrated in FIG. 6D where a GUI 614 is provided that illustrates amodified view with a synthetic vision enhancement (note distinction inthe view from FIG. 6A) and also including a three-dimensional weatherrepresentation 615. Previously, this combination presentation was notachieved since SVS data was typically presented on such a small displayand overlaying any information could render the synthetic vision imageuseless (e.g., too much information in the small screen could overloador confuse the user). In the present invention, the TSIP 110 providessuch an expansive view that many data points can be overlaid, includingweather and synthetic vision, without overloading or confusing an imageor a user. Furthermore, the ability to control the synthetic visionapplication value allows users to scale back the synthetic visionapplication when appropriate so that other items such as weather, forinstance, may be highlighted when necessary.

Furthermore, two-dimensional user interface panels may be provided atany view of the TSIP. For instance, user interface panels may beprovided over an original image, a modified image including an originalimage and a synthetic vision enhancement, or a modified image includingan original image, a synthetic vision enhancement, and athree-dimensional representation. FIG. 6E provides a GUI 616illustrating an embodiment where a two-dimensional user interface panel617 is provided over a modified image (e.g., an original image overlaidwith a synthetic vision enhancement) including a three-dimensionalrepresentation 618 (e.g., weather). In the illustration of FIG. 6E, thethree-dimensional representation 618 is weather. Additionally, thetwo-dimensional user interface panel 617 is a weather user interfacepanel but could be any other panel configured by the system. Thetwo-dimensional user interface panel 617 may be moved to any portion ofthe TSIP 210 or may be closed by selection of indicator 619.Additionally, the user interface panel 617 may be pinned to the TSIPsuch that is may be manipulated with user gestures within the userinterface panel 617. For instance, the user interface panel 617 itselfmay be pinned to the TSIP such that the user interface panel 617 isstationary. Then a user could manipulate the user interface panel 617via one or more gestures such as, for example, scrolling within the userinterface panel 617, zooming in or zooming out the user interface panel617 view via gestures, and the like.

In application, a second modified image may be generated upon receivingan indication that weather information (whether two orthree-dimensional) is to be included in an image. The second modifiedimage may be a modified image that includes the original image and asynthetic vision enhancement combined with weather information.Alternatively, weather information may be overlaid with an originalimage. For instance, an original image could be modified to includethree-dimensional weather representations without the addition of anysynthetic vision enhancements.

While various data points (e.g., synthetic vision enhancements, weather,etc.) may overlay an original image (i.e., view) the data can, at anytime, be removed from the view.

With reference now to FIG. 6F, a flow diagram is illustrated showing anexemplary method 620 for displaying a real-time view in an aircraft, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As indicated atblock 621, an indication of a synthetic vision application is received.The indication may enable the synthetic vision application for thereal-time view. At block 622, a synthetic vision application value toapply to the real-time view is identified. A synthetic visionenhancement is applied to the real-time view according to the syntheticvision application value at block 623. A modified real-time view isgenerated where the modified real-time view is enhanced by syntheticvision as indicated by the synthetic vision application value at block624.

With reference to FIG. 6G, a flow diagram is provided showing yetanother exemplary method 625 for displaying a real-time view within anaircraft. Initially, at block 626, an indication to enable syntheticvision is received. Based on the indication to enable synthetic vision,a second image including a synthetic vision enhancement is generated andthe second image overlays the real-time image at block 627. At block628, an indication to include weather data in the second image isreceived. A modified second image that includes each of the syntheticvision enhancement and the weather data is generated and the modifiedsecond image overlays the real-time image at block 629.

FIGS. 7A through 7D depict exemplary aircraft flight-control systems fordisplaying aircraft surfaces and receiving selections to controlaircraft surfaces via TSIP 210. FIGS. 7A through 7D illustrate anexemplary user interface that may be displayed over the real-time imageprovided by TSIP 210.

FIG. 7A depicts an exemplary aircraft flight-control system 700, whichincludes an abbreviated title (FLT CONT) 701, and is configured tocontinuously display numerically and graphically the instantaneouspositions of the aircraft's flight-control surfaces via flight-controlsurface representations. A menu option displayed on TSIP 210, such asFLT CONT menu option 737 of FIG. 7E, for example, may be used to selectaircraft flight-control system 700.

FIG. 7A depicts flight-control surface representations with silhouetteimages to represent large flight surfaces. For example, a tail image 702depicts a silhouette of the aircraft tail with a perspective view fromthe rear of the aircraft. Tail image 702 may display large flightsurfaces including a vertical stabilizer image 703 and a horizontalstabilizer image 705. Smaller flight-control surface representations maybe overlaid on the silhouetted images. For example, vertical stabilizerimage 703 includes an overlaid representation of a smallerflight-control surface, namely a rudder display 704. Similarly,horizontal stabilizer image 705 may include overlaid representations ofsmaller flight-control surfaces, such as a left elevator display 706 anda right elevator display 707.

FIG. 7A also includes a left wing image 714 and a right wing image 718,which depict a silhouette of each wing with a perspective view from therear of the aircraft. Left wing image 714 may include representations ofsmaller flight-control surfaces, including but not limited to, flaps,ailerons, speed brakes, and slats. Aileron and speed brake graphicalindicators are both shown in figures FIGS. 7C and 7D. Slats are locatedon the leading edge of the wing and thus are not shown in theperspective view from the rear provided by FIG. 7A. Slats are typicallydeployed automatically with flaps but may be controlled independentlywithin an embodiment of aircraft flight-control system 700. Left wingimage 714 includes a left-wing outboard flap display 715, a left-wingmiddle flap display 716, and a left-wing inboard flap display 717.Similarly, right wing image 718 includes a right-wing outboard flapdisplay 719, a right-wing middle flap display 720, and a right-winginboard flap display 721. In FIG. 7A, flap displays 715, 716, 717, 719,720, 721 are configured to indicate that all flaps are located in afully retracted position.

In addition to aircraft flight-control surface representations, aircraftflight-control system 700 continuously monitors aircraft data busses todetermine positions and intended movement of the flight-control surfacesand illustrates instantaneous positions of flight-control surfaces withposition indicators via TSIP 210. The aircraft's data bussescontinuously receive data from sensors configured to determine actualpositions of flight-control surfaces. Position indicators may includegraphical and numerical indicators. An exemplary graphical indicator isa rudder graphical indicator 710, which indicates the aircraft's rudderposition to the left or right of the aircraft's vertical stabilizer.Specifically, FIG. 7A shows an equally balanced rudder graphicalindicator 710 to indicate a straight (i.e., unturned) rudder positionwith respect to the aircraft's vertical stabilizer. Similarly, ahorizontal stabilizer graphical indicator 712 may indicate nose-up ornose-down positions of the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer with respectto a nominal position. FIG. 7A shows horizontal stabilizer graphicalindicator 712 indicating a nose-up position of the aircraft's horizontalstabilizer. Typically aircraft left and right elevators movesimultaneously with each other and independently of the horizontalstabilizer. Accordingly, left and right elevator displays 706, 707 mayrepresent left and right elevator positions simultaneously with eachother and independently of horizontal stabilizer image 705.

Many aircraft flight-control surfaces, including rudders, horizontalstabilizers and elevators, typically receive input for control from acontrol stick and/or rudder pedals. Aircraft flight-control system 700is configured to continuously display instantaneous positions regardlessof how the flight-control surfaces are controlled. In an embodiment,aircraft flight-control system 700 is configured to receive inputs viaTSIP 210 to control aircraft flight-control surfaces including rudders,horizontal stabilizers and elevators.

FIG. 7B depicts an exemplary aircraft flight-control system 726 fordisplaying aircraft surfaces and receiving selections to controlaircraft surfaces via TSIP 210. Aircraft flight-control system 726 is anexample of aircraft flight-control system 700 of FIG. 7A. Graphicaldisplays may be integrated within silhouette images. For example,graphical displays for flap positions are overlaid on wing images.Specifically, FIG. 7B shows left wing image 714 and right wing image 715with flap displays 715, 716, 717, 719, 720, 721 indicating fullydeployed flap positions, whereas FIG. 7A shows flap displays 715, 716,717, 719, 720, 721 for fully retracted flap positions. Note that theflap displays shown in FIG. 7B are larger than the flaps displays shownin FIG. 7A to provide a size perspective and an intuitive representationof flap deployment that may be quickly observed. In an embodiment, flapdisplays for intermediate flap angles (e.g., seven and fifteen degrees)are correspondingly sized to represent intermediate flap angles. Inother words, a view of left wing image 714 and right wing image 718mimics an actual view of the aircraft's flaps from behind the aircraft.

In addition to graphical indicators, aircraft flight-control system 700includes numerical indicators to continuously display instantaneouspositions of flight-control surfaces. For example, a rudder numericalindicator 708 displays a numeric position in degrees with respect to theaircraft's vertical stabilizer. Specifically, FIGS. 7A through 7D show azero degree position of rudder numerical indicator 708, indicating thatthe rudder is straight (i.e., unturned) behind the aircraft's verticalstabilizer. Similarly, a horizontal stabilizer numerical indicator 711may display a position in degrees from a nominal level position.Specifically, FIGS. 7A through 7D show a minus three degree position ofhorizontal stabilizer numerical indicator 711 to indicate the aircraft'shorizontal stabilizer position is three degrees below nominal. In anembodiment, aircraft flight-control system 700 includes numericalindicators for left and right elevators 706, 707.

In addition to graphical and numerical position indicators used todisplay aircraft flight-control information, aircraft flight-controlsystem 700 may be configured to receive selections for controllingaircraft surfaces. For example, a series of displayed flap angle optionsare configured to receive selections of flap angles. FIGS. 7A through 7Dshow exemplary flap angle options including a zero degree flap option722, a seven degree flap option 723, a fifteen degree flap option 724,and a thirty-five degree flap option 725. FIGS. 7A and 7C show zerodegree flap option 722 highlighted, indicating that selection of a zerodegree position was received for fully retracted aircraft flaps. FIGS.7B and 7D show thirty-five degree flap option 725 highlighted,indicating that selection of a thirty-five degree position was receivedfor fully deployed aircraft flaps.

Controlling flap angles by receiving flap angle selections via TSIP 210is an improvement over prior art methods that use a monument mounted inthe pedestal. An aircraft flap controller is essentially a lever mountedto an electrical resolver, which reads the position of the flap handlelever and converts that position to a digital signal. The signal isinterpreted as a command to the flap driver in the wing, which moves theflap surface. Aircraft flight-control system 700 replaces the monumentand generates identical digital signals upon receiving selections viaTSIP 210. One advantage of using TSIP 210 is to avoid the need for thepedestal, which removes potential for foot strikes on the flapcontroller.

Aircraft flight-control system 700 displays actual (measured) positionsof flight-control surfaces. Thus, if selection is received to deploy theflaps, for example, but one or more flaps does not move, the actualstate of each flap is displayed, not the intended position. Thisprovides the flight crew with greater situational awareness in the eventof a suspected malfunction with a flight-control surface.

During movement of a flight-control surface, corresponding graphical andnumerical indicators may display the actual position accordingly. Forexample, if the aircraft's rudder moves to the right, rudder graphicalindicator 710 indicates a rudder position to the right, and ruddernumerical indicator 708 displays a numeric position in degrees, withrespect to the aircraft's vertical stabilizer. In an embodiment, rudderdisplay 704 also graphically indicates a rudder position to the rightwith respect to the aircraft's vertical stabilizer. In anotherembodiment, rudder display 704 is configured to blink to representrudder movement.

When a desired position is not reached by a flight-control surface, oneor more warning signals may be displayed via the graphical and numericalindicators. For example, if selection is received for thirty-five degreeflap option 725 but one or more flaps does not reach thirty-five degreesbelow nominal (i.e., fully deployed), the corresponding graphicalindicator for each faulty flap may be highlighted in a different shadeor color. For example, a nominal graphical indicator may be green,whereas a caution is amber and a warning is red. In an embodiment, awarning includes a flashing graphical indicator to attract attention. Inanother embodiment, noises are made to attract attention to a warning.If a surface that is supposed to work in unison, such as the three flappanels, malfunctions, the system changes the flight-control surfacecolor from green to amber or red. As an example, selection is receivedto deploy the flaps to thirty-five degrees, but middle flap panel on theright wing deploys to seven degrees, middle flap display 720 wouldproduce a warning signal. Thus the graphical representation of aircraftflight-control system 700 provides the flight crew with a quick visualguide to the state of each flight-control surface for improvedsituational awareness.

FIG. 7C depicts an exemplary aircraft flight-control system 727 fordisplaying aircraft surfaces and receiving selections to controlaircraft surfaces via TSIP 210. Aircraft flight-control system 727 is anexample of aircraft flight-control system 700 of FIG. 7A. Aircraftflight-control system 727 includes a left wing aileron display 728 and aright wing aileron display 729. Ailerons are flight-control surfacesused to roll an aircraft for banking while turning. Ailerons aretypically activated when a pilot makes an input with a control stick butmay be controlled via TSIP 210 as an embodiment of aircraftflight-control system 727. The resulting position of the ailerons may bedisplayed on TSIP 210 via aircraft flight-control system 727. Forexample, when a right banking turn has been initiated, the aircraft'sleft wing aileron drops below the wing and the aircraft's right wingaileron lifts above the wing. Accordingly, aircraft flight-controlsystem 727 displays left wing aileron display 728 below left wing image714 and right wing aileron display 729 above right wing image 718, asshown in FIG. 7C. In certain situations both ailerons of an aircraft maybe in a position above the wing for slowing the aircraft without rolling(see for example, FIG. 7D).

FIG. 7D depicts an exemplary aircraft flight-control system 730 fordisplaying aircraft surfaces and receiving selections to controlaircraft surfaces via TSIP 210. Speed brakes are flight-control surfacesused to slow an airplane by creating drag. FIG. 7D illustrates exemplarylocations of a left wing speed brake display 731 and a right wing speedbrake display 732 above middle flap displays 716, 720 on top of left andright wing images 714, 718, respectively. Each aircraft speed brake mayinclude one or more panels. For example, FIG. 7D shows two panels perleft and right speed brake display, 731, 732, respectively. Speed brakesare deployed typically during landing but also during flight, by using alever next to throttles on the pedestal, and aircraft flight-controlsystem 730 is configured to display the resulting speed brake positions.Specifically, FIG. 7D illustrates fully deployed speed brakes with leftand right wing speed brake displays 731, 732 shown above left and rightwing images 714, 718, respectively. In an embodiment, left and rightspeed brake displays 731, 732 are configured to receive selections forcontrolling positions of the aircraft's speed brakes.

FIG. 7E depicts an exemplary TSIP 735, which is an example of TSIP 210of FIG. 2. FIG. 7E illustrates a combined mode controller and engineindicator 736 located in the upper middle portion of TSIP 735. Combinedmode controller and engine indicator 736 displays a mode controller forcontrolling aircraft autopilot options and for visualizing engineinformation. In an embodiment, combined mode controller and engineindicator 736 is configured to be displayed in a convenient locationbetween the pilot and co-pilot, as shown in FIG. 7E, but it may bedisplayed in any location on TSIP 210 without departing from the scopehereof. Aircraft flight-control system 700 may be selected from a menu,such as menu 150 of FIG. 1. Specifically, a FLT CONT 737 menu option maybe used to select aircraft flight-control system 700, as shown in FIG.7E.

FIG. 7F depicts a combined mode controller and engine indicator 740,which is an example of combined mode controller and engine indicator 736of FIG. 7E. Combined mode controller and engine indicator 740 isdesigned to represent the shape of an aircraft's fuselage and enginecowlings, wherein the fuselage portion includes a mode controller 741and the engine cowlings include a left engine indicator 750 and a rightengine indicator 755. Combined mode controller and engine indicator 736receives data from the aircraft's data busses and processes data usingonboard computer 201 to determine left and right engine performance anddisplays the performance data on TSIP 210.

Mode controller 741 includes options for selection of various autopilotcontrol functions via TSIP 210 including, but not limited to, FlightLevel Change (FLC) 742, Autopilot (AP) 743, Altitude (ALT) 744, VerticalSpeed (VS) 745, Vertical Navigation (VNV) 746, and Flight Director (FD)747. Once selection of an autopilot mode is made, the respective portionof mode controller 741 may be highlighted, with a different shade orcolor for example.

Left engine indicator 750 and a right engine indicator 755 provide theflight crew with a graphical and numerical representation of engineperformance and status. FIG. 7F shows an exemplary combined modecontroller and engine indicator 740 for a dual-engine aircraft, butcombined mode controller and engine indicator 740 could be configured todisplay engine indicators for a single-engine or triple-engine aircraft,without departing from the scope hereof.

Left engine indicator 750 includes a fan speed numerical display 751 anda fan speed graphical display 752. Similarly, right engine indicator 755includes a fan speed numerical display 756 and a fan speed graphicaldisplay 757. Fan speed numerical displays 751 and 756 include numericalindicators of fan speed, for example, as a percentage of apre-determined maximum fan speed, corresponding to the aircraft's leftand right engine fan speeds, respectively. Fan speed graphical displays752 and 757 include graphical indicators of fan speed, such as agraphical dial for example, corresponding to fan speed of the aircraft'sleft and right engines, respectively. Graphical displays 752 and 757 mayinclude various shading or coloring to convey fan speed information. Forexample, fan speeds less than eighty percent may be colored green, whilefan speeds between eighty and eighty-nine percent may be colored amberto indicate caution, and fans speeds of ninety percent or greater may becolored red to provide a warning signal. In an embodiment, fan speedgraphical displays 752 and 757 include gradients of shading or coloringbetween different shades or colors, respectively. In an embodiment, fanspeed numerical displays 751 and 756 include coloring or shading thatmatches fan speed graphical displays 752 and 757, respectively.

Left engine indicator 750 includes an Interstage Turbine Temperature(ITT) numerical display 753 and an ITT graphical display 754. Similarly,right engine indicator 755 includes an ITT numerical display 758 and anITT graphical display 759. ITT numerical displays 753 and 758 includenumerical indicators of temperature, for example in degrees Celsius,corresponding to measured temperature of the aircraft's left and rightengines, respectively. ITT graphical displays 754 and 759 includegraphical status indicators that change shade or color, for example,corresponding to temperature changes for the aircraft's left and rightengines, respectively, and to provide warnings of anomalous performance.In an embodiment, ITT numerical displays 753 and 758 change shade orcolor to match the shade or color of ITT graphical displays 754 and 759,respectively

Each of the numerical and graphical displays for the engine indicators,shown in FIG. 7F and described above, may be configured to receiveselections for responding to warning signals. For example, selection ofa numerical or graphical display provides a list of options displayed onTSIP 210, which may include standard operating procedures and checklistsfrom databases 230 for alleviating anomalous performance.

FIG. 7G depicts an exemplary aircraft flight-control method 770 forcontrolling aircraft flight-control surfaces via TSIP 210. In step 771,a list of menu options is presented. In an example of step 771, a listof menu options, including a flight-control option 737, is presented onTSIP 210, as shown in FIG. 7E.

In step 772, a selection of an aircraft flight-control function isreceived. In an example of step 772, selection of aircraftflight-control system 700 (of FIG. 7A) is received via flight-controloption 737 of TSIP 210, as shown in FIG. 7E.

In step 773, an indication is received to identify a flight-controlsurface to control. In an example of step 773, an indication is receivedto control flaps via flap angle options including zero degree flapoption 722, seven degree flap option 723, fifteen degree flap option724, and thirty-five degree flap option 725, as shown in FIGS. 7Athrough 7D. Note that aircraft flight control system 700 may beconfigured to continuously display instantaneous positions offlight-control surfaces, before, during and after an indication isreceived to control flight-control surfaces.

In step 774, a selection is enabled to initiate a position change forthe selected flight-control surface. In an example of step 774, flapangle options are enabled for selection to change flap positionsincluding zero degree flap option 722, seven degree flap option 723,fifteen degree flap option 724, and thirty-five degree flap option 725,as shown in FIGS. 7A through 7D. In an embodiment, zero degree flapoption 722 is selected, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C. In anotherembodiment, thirty-five degree flap option 725 is selected, as shown inFIGS. 7B and 7D.

In step 775, a corresponding movement to a selected position is verifiedfor the aircraft flight-control surface. Example flight-control surfacesinclude the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer, elevator, rudder, aileron,speed brake, and flap. Movement of flight-control surfaces may becontrolled by aircraft flight-control system 700 or by other automaticor pilot initiated controls such as a control stick or rudder pedals. Inan example of step 775, following selection of zero degree flap option722, flap displays 715, 716, 717, 719, 720, 721 are configured toindicate fully retracted flap positions and zero degree flap option 722is highlighted, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C. Fully retracted flappositions are measured, for example, by sensors configured to detecteach fully retracted flap and send a corresponding signal to TSIP 210via onboard computer 201. In another example of step 775, followingselection of thirty-five degree flap option 725, flap displays 715, 716,717, 719, 720, 721 are configured to indicate fully deployed flappositions and thirty-five degree flap option 725 is highlighted, asshown in FIGS. 7B and 7D. Fully deployed flap positions are measured,for example, by sensors configured to detect each fully deployed flapand send a corresponding signal to TSIP 210 via onboard computer 201.Example sensors include contact switches, magnetic contact switches,resolvers, and non-contact interlock switches.

Step 776 is a decision to determine if the selected position deviatesfrom an actual position. If in step 776, the selected and actualpositions are determined to be the same (i.e., they essentially do notdeviate from one another), then method 770 proceeds to step 777 to end.In an example of step 776, following selection of thirty-five degreeflap option 725, fully deployed flap positions are measured, and method770 proceeds to step 777 to end. Because aircraft flight-control system700 is configured to continuously display actual flight-control surfacepositions, step 776 is both simple and intuitive to perform. Forexample, aircraft flight-control system 726 instantaneously displays theactual position of fully-deployed flaps by highlighting thirty-fivedegree flap option 725 and showing flap displays 715, 716, 717, 719,720, 721 in their fully deployed configuration, as shown in FIG. 7B.

If in step 776, the selected and actual positions are determined todeviate from one another (i.e., they are not essentially the sameposition), then method 770 proceeds to step 778 to display a warningsignal to indicate that the selected position deviates from the actualposition of the control surface. Step 778 is followed by step 779 topresent a list of selections for possible responses to the warningsignal. Example responses include silencing an audible warning signal,stopping a warning signal from flashing, resetting a flight-controlsurface to its nominal position, and repeating selection for a desiredposition. In step 780, an indication is received of a selected responseto the warning signal, after which method 770 returns to step 775 toverify movement of the selected position to the actual position.

In embodiments, awareness-enhancing indications are communicated bydisplaying them on the touch screen instrument panel. In order toprovide a frame of reference, FIG. 8A shows the touch screen instrumentpanel 100 in a pre-alert status before any warnings have been triggered.As can be seen, no windows are shown being opened up on the display 800,and the terrain image and other normal in-flight content are plainlyvisible. Further, none of the menu buttons 150 are presented in a waythat distinguishes them from the others, other than identifyingmarkings.

This changes, however, when an alert is received from the aircraftsystems. Referring now to FIG. 8B, a process flow diagram 801 isrepresentative of alert processes which might be executed on thecomputer 201 to increase crew awareness. In a first step 802, alertinformation is received from an aircraft system. In one embodiment, thisinformation might include either TCAS or TAWS information oralerts/warnings from component 280 (See FIG. 2). Alternatively, themessage might be received from aircraft flight equipment 250 regarding,e.g. an issue regarding lighting, de-icing equipment, control surfaces,etc. The information could regard any of the aircraft systems shown inFIG. 2. Regardless of the source, the type of information, whenreceived, is normally associated with a severity level. Morespecifically, a level of urgency in which some corrective measuresshould be taken. Thus, in a step 803, the level of severity of theinformation is identified. For example, four levels of severity might beemployed. A first level of severity may be called “informational” andcolored white for conditions that do not require flightcrew response,but are for informational purposes only. A second level of severity maybe called “advisory” and colored cyan (or blue) for conditions thatrequire flightcrew awareness and may require subsequent flightcrewresponse. A third level of severity may be called “caution” and coloredamber (or yellow) for conditions that require immediate flightcrewawareness and subsequent flightcrew response. A fourth level of severitymay be called “warning” and colored red for conditions that requireimmediate flightcrew awareness and immediate flightcrew response. Theseseverity levels may be referred to as part of the aforementioned colorcoding scheme as will be discussed hereinafter.

In a Step 804, assuming the information regards an alert at a sufficientseverity level, the computer 201 causes an awareness-enhancingindication, which, in an embodiment could be a peripheral display madeto alert the crew of the existence of a warning. More specifically, insome embodiments, the display is made peripherally at one or morelocations. In yet further other embodiments, the display is madesubstantially around the entire periphery of the touch screen as can beseen in the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 8C.

Referring to FIG. 8C, it can be seen that the state of the panel shownin FIG. 8A3 has changed to include the peripherally displayed graphic813. In one embodiment, the awareness-enhancing indication iscolor-coded, for example, red for an extreme emergency or warning, andamber or yellow for a less extreme emergency or caution. With respect toalert information that is at lower severity levels, a process running oncomputer 201 may result in no peripheral graphic being displayed at all.In further embodiments, a peripheral warning graphic displayed willpulsate to draw additional extra attention. It should be evident tothose skilled in the art that various colors and attraction inducingmeasures could be selected in order to meet this objective. It shouldalso be evident that because of the peripheral location of the warningindication, that the crew is able to clearly see and maintain the use ofmost of the display area 813, while at the same time, the indicationpulsing and colored at the margins is impossible to miss.

In other embodiments, or in addition to, or instead of themargin-displayed indication, the awareness-enhancing indication isprovided in the form of highlighting menu options. “Highlighting” or“highlighted” as used herein means that an item is made to bedifferentiated from other items, or otherwise modified to increaseawareness relative to that item. The use of the term should not beinterpreted as requiring any particular color or other furtherrestrictive constructions unless otherwise specified.

In terms of the process embodiment disclosed in FIG. 8B, it can be seenthat a crew alert button 805 is subjected to highlighting. In terms oflook-and-feel, FIG. 8C shows the crew alert button 814 as it might behighlighted on the menu 150 to enhance awareness (e.g., the crew willknow that it is a menu item that should be selected to learn more aboutthe problem, and also redress the problem).

Aside from the crew-alert button illumination (CAS) shown in 814 of FIG.8C and shown as Step 805 in FIG. 8B, a Step 806 causes the illuminationof one or more system buttons (e.g., menu buttons 815 and 817, also inFIG. 8C).

Each of these menu buttons 814, 815, and 817 can be highlighted in anumber of different ways. In some embodiments, they are illuminated in acolor that is the same of the particular warning level identified inStep 803. For example, for an extreme alert, a button might beilluminated in red—a color that those skilled in the art recognize asindicating a high level of seriousness. For less serious, but stillimportant situations, the buttons might be illuminated in yellow. Formoderately important situations the coloring might be blue, and for lessserious items the coloring might be white.

Once a crew member identifies an alert exists as described wherein theperipheral area 812 is illuminated, in buttons 814, 815, and 817 aresimilarly highlighted by illumination, corrective measures can be taken.Button 815 “ELECT” provides, for example, electrical system schematicdiagrams (see FIG. 8 and description below). Button 817 “MAINT”provides, for example, menu options for accessing maintenance issues(see FIG. 8G and description below). In order to assist the crew memberin this regard, a step 807 provides that when a crew member selects thecrew alert button 814, FIG. 8D shows that this will bring up a window819 in a Step 807 where bars 821, 822, 823, and 824 are displayed. Eachof bars 821, 822, 823, and 824 represents a system for which an alertexists.

Looking more closely at the crew alertness window 819, the window isinitially presented in a collapsed format (as shown in FIG. 8D), but isexpandable. More specifically, if the user clicks on any of bars 821,822, 823, and 824, existing in FIG. 8D can be expanded as shown in thescreen 826 shown in FIG. 8E. Note that sensed data is continuouslydisplayed providing improved situational awareness for responding to afault. For example, bar 823 includes a wingtip temperature reading andbar 824 includes battery voltage, current and temperature.

Referring to FIG. 8E, and moving from bottom to top, the “APU ON” bar821, e.g., might be color coded white to represent a low priority stateof alert. One bar up, the “APU FIRE BOTTLE LOW” Bar 822 might be coloredblue to reflect a slightly more concerning alert level. Above that, abar 823 for “RIGHT WING TIP COLD” is shown in expanded form, a userhaving selected it. Like with bars 821 and 822, bar 823, in the presentembodiment, will be color coded with respect to severity level. Forexample, bar 823, in embodiments, could be colored yellow, reflecting aserious event, but not an emergency.

A crew member concerned about the warning is then able to click on, andthus expand bar 823, revealing means to correct the situation. Here,temperature sensors have detected a temperature, displayed in bar 823,that is below a predetermined setpoint. Thus, the expansion of bar 823displays an appropriate solution, that being “TURN ON RIGHT WINGANTI-ICE” which is displayed next to a button 827 labeled with “RHWING”. In embodiments, action button 827 will also be highlighted in thesame color of warning indication (yellow) as has been used to lead theuser through the process. If the crew member selects action button 827,the anti-ice equipment will be activated with respect to the right wing,thus correcting the problem of potential ice buildup.

Bar 824, labelled as “LEFT BATTERY OFF”, would operate in much the sameway. For example, it might also be displayed at its respective severitylevel, e.g. yellow here, indicating a serious situation needing to bedealt with, but not emergency situation. Note that bar 824 may includepertinent information, such as real-time data from sensor measurementsfor battery voltage, current and temperature, for example. When Bar 824is expanded as shown in FIG. 8E, an appropriate solution is displayed.For example, the user is told to “TURN ON LEFT BATTERY”, and providedwith a selectable field/button 828 (here “LH BATT”) which when selectedwill turn the left battery back on, thus correcting the problem.

Procedurally speaking, the crew-alert processes enable the reaching of asolution to the warning by increasing awareness (leading the userthrough menus using color-coded highlighting). In FIG. 8B, theseprocesses are represented in a Step 807. Then, when the crew makes thecorrective action, the process moves on to a Step 809 where the computerreceives the remedial action due to the touch screen selection made(e.g., by activating either of buttons 827 or 828).

The crew is also offered an alternative approach to reaching the samesolution. More specifically, given an alert, highlighting also directsthe user to find a solution to the problem by looking at a particularsystem involved. As will be recalled, from the discussions involvingFIG. 8C, and at the same time reviewing FIG. 8B, a step 806 causes thehighlighting of one or more system items (e.g., menu buttons 814 and 816also in FIG. 8C) as is expressed in the process diagram of FIG. 8B as astep 808.

Upon the selection of highlighted menu item 815 (labeled as “ELECT” inFIG. 8F), a window 825 will be called up (see FIG. 8D). This window isshown in more detail in FIG. 8. Looking to FIG. 8, it is shown that aschematic of the electrical system is displayed. When the system screen829 is presented, the particular component of interest will behighlighted. Here, the left-hand-side battery, or “LH BATT” 830 will behighlighted. In some embodiments, the highlighting will be in the colorreflective of the warning level. For example, here, yellow just likewith the crew-alert processes. If the crew member touches the “LH BATT”button, the battery will be turned back on to correct the error. Thus,this is another, alternative to direct a crew member to an appropriatesolution by enhancing awareness. In other words, the system-focusedprocesses expressed in steps 806 and 808 give the crew an alternativeguided solution to reaching remedial step 809 aside from the crew-alertprocesses offered by following steps 805 and 807.

A similar process would also be afforded to a crew member in addressingthe problem with the anti-icing system reflected by the highlighting ofsystem button 816 (entitled “ANTI ICE”). Assuming that all the remedialactions have been taken, the computer will then turn off the peripheralwarning and remove the highlighting in a Step 810.

Another aspect of the touch-screen instrument panel enables the bringingup of a graphical representation of at least one system component (e.g.,possibly a device that is a part of the aircraft flight equipment 250,see FIG. 2), and then displaying information regarding a real-time valuefor an aircraft-parameter proximate the device relevant. The terms“graphical” or “graphic” as used herein should not be construed asrequiring any particular level of vividness or realism. These terms meansimply that the graphic is identifiable as being a resemblance ofsomething.

Referring back to FIG. 8C, it can be seen that a maintenance “MAINT”button 817 is shown. When a crew member activates this button, a windowlike that shown in FIG. 8G is displayed. On initial opening up, all fourof the bars (e.g., 832 and the three above it) would all be in acollapsed state (see discussions regarding screen 819 in FIG. 8D). FIG.8G, however, shows two of the bars (the “PRESSURE” and “DIAGNOSTICS”bars) have been expanded by the user. It can be seen that the “PRESSURE”bar 832 has been expanded to reveal a graphic representation of a nosewheel landing gear arrangement symmetrically paired between left andright landing gear. Additionally, the real-time values for tirepressures are shown for each tire in each tire tandem. These graphicalrepresentations make it very convenient for the user in that they areable to graphically associate the real-time parameter values (e.g., PSI)with the actual physical components in the proper orientation. Forexample, it can be seen upon looking at the right wheel 833, that avalue 834 in the right outboard tire 835 is abnormally low (25 PSIversus the normal 45 PSI). The combination of real time parameter values(e.g., tire pressures) along with the physical representations of thecomponents makes it easy for the user to identify the problem.

It should also be understood that this maintenance window can also bebrought up as a result of an alert issued. This might occur, e.g., whena parameter value (e.g., PSI) is identified as being abnormally low(e.g., the value of 25 PSI value in tire 835). Referring back to theprocess diagram 801 shown in FIG. 8B, an abnormal pressure level 834detected in the left tire would trigger a warning from the aircraftsystems. This warning would result in the highlighting of maintenancebutton 817 (according to step 806) and then, upon receipt of a selectionof that button by a crew member, the maintenance window of FIG. 8G wouldbe brought up. Bar 832 would, at that time, be collapsed, but would behighlighted in the relevant color (the same color, e.g., yellow,currently used in the highlighting of the menu item 817 and in thedisplay of the margin warning 812). A click on the highlighted bar by acrew member, will expand the “PRESSURE” bar 832 revealing graphicalrepresentations of the wheel components as shown in FIG. 8G. This givesthe crew member an additional level of awareness regarding the relativeorientations of actual physical device having the problem.

Additionally, the warning-causing parameter value display 834 and/or theparticular device (e.g., tire 835) in which the abnormality is occurringare (in embodiments) highlighted in a color indicating the severitylevel of the alarm (and consistent with the color currently used in thehighlighting of the menu item 817 and margin warning 812). The result isthat a user, in face of a system abnormality, is quickly navigated tothe source of the problem, and can easily identify the real-time valuerelevant to that problem.

Expanding of the “DIAGNOSTICS” bar 836 (as shown) gives the user theability to examine the states of the inputs and outputs of various PCcards by selecting (i.e. touch) any of the particular cards listed.Additional maintenance items may be retrieved from the maintenancewindow along with document look-ups stored on databases 230. Thisfeature provides an aircraft maintenance crew with improved access torelevant maintenance information.

In another aspect which enhances crew awareness, processes are providedwhich give the crew a historical context for parameter values. Referringto FIG. 8C, selection of the “PROP” button brings up a screen 837 shownin FIG. 8H. Screen 837 shows one of many other possible arrangementswhere real time values are displayed in a historical context. Thesevalues will be recorded over time by computer 201 utilizing a database(e.g., in one of a number of databases 230 in FIG. 2). Recorded andtime-stamped values for parameters (e.g., pressures, temperatures) arethen called up and continually displayed as is depicted in an oiltemperature chart 838 and an oil pressure chart 839. In the embodimentdisclosed, chart 838 reflects two lines, a first plot 843 representativeof an oil temperature for the left hand engine over time, and a secondplot 844 representative of an oil temperature for the right hand engineover time. The real time current values 840 are displayed as shown forchart 838. Chart 838 includes time on an X axis 841, and includes therelevant parameter value (here, oil temperature) on a Y axis 845.

Similarly, oil pressure chart 839 enables the crew to see not onlyreal-time values 842, but also to view them in a historical context. Thehistorical nature of these charts is beneficial because the crew memberis able to see abnormalities not only in the real time value 840, butalso in the context of the past for those values.

Embodiments of the invention have been described to be illustrativerather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art to which the present inventionpertains without departing from its scope.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof areshown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific forms disclosed but, rather, the invention isto cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalentsfalling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theorder of the steps recited herein is not meant to limit the scope of thepresent invention in any way and, in fact, the steps may occur in avariety of different sequences within embodiments hereof. Any and allsuch variations, and any combination thereof, are contemplated to bewithin the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

1. A method for providing information using a touch-screen instrumentpanel (TSIP), the method comprising: receiving an indication to displayinformation associated with an aircraft via the TSIP; receivinginformation associated with the aircraft from a plurality of systemsmanaging aircraft or flight information; and providing on the TSIP atleast one user interface, the at least one user interface correspondingto the indication, and the at least one user interface being associatedwith a first system of the plurality of systems.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein the indication is received via a touch input.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the plurality of systems includes anti-icingsystems, an environmental control system, an electrical system, a flightcontrol system, a hydraulic system, an exterior lighting system, anoxygen system, a cabin pressurization system, a propulsion system, aninternal lighting system, a climate control system, a fuel system, awarning system, a global positioning system (GPS), and a cabin controlsystem.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of systemsincludes a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein information provided by the TCAS results in trafficinformation being presented via the TSIP.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the plurality of systems includes a Terrain Awareness WarningSystem (TAWS).
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the TSIP spans a widthof a cockpit of the aircraft.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein areal-time external view is presented on the TSIP.
 9. The method of claim8, wherein the at least one user interface panel corresponding to theindication overlays the real-time external view.
 10. The method of claim1, wherein the plurality of systems further includes a mappinginterface, a charts component, a radio frequency component, a weathercomponent, and a virtual flight plan component.
 11. An aircraft cockpitsystem for an aircraft, the aircraft having a plurality of systems, thecockpit system comprising: a touch-screen instrument panel positioned tobe accessible to more than one user; a computer system electronicallyconnected with the plurality of systems, the computer system includingprocesses enabling the interfacing by said more than one user with theplurality of aircraft systems, managing aircraft or flight information;and providing on the TSIP at least one user interface, the at least oneuser interface corresponding to the indication, and the at least oneuser interface being associated with a first system of the plurality ofsystems.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of systemsincludes anti-icing systems, an environmental control system, anelectrical system, a flight control system, a hydraulic system, anexterior lighting system, an oxygen system, a cabin pressurizationsystem, a propulsion system, an internal lighting system, a climatecontrol system, a fuel system, a warning system, a global positioningsystem (GPS), and a cabin control system.